Zelensky Open to US Peace Plan Discussions Amid Ukraine War; Kyiv Wary of Concessions in Trump-Backed Proposal

Zelensky Engages with US on Peace Plan Amid Kyiv's Cautious Approach

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for "honest work" with the United States regarding a proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. This development comes after the US presented Ukraine with a draft proposal, reportedly formulated by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, notably without direct Ukrainian involvement.

The US Proposal and Ukraine's Initial Response

Zelensky's office confirmed receipt of the plan, stating that the US believes it could "help reinvigorate diplomacy." Ukraine has "agreed to work on the plan's provisions in a way that would bring about a just end to the war," underscoring its support for "all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer."

Kyiv's Concerns Over Alleged Concessions

Despite this diplomatic willingness, Kyiv's reaction appears cautious. Reports from various sources, including Axios, the Financial Times, and Reuters, suggest the draft plan includes significant demands on Ukraine. These allegedly include ceding control over parts of the Donbas region, drastically reducing its military size, and surrendering a substantial portion of its weaponry. Such terms, if confirmed, would heavily favor Moscow's interests, explaining Ukraine's hesitant response.

White House Rebuts Claims of Major Concessions

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refuted claims that the plan demands major concessions from Ukraine. Leavitt stated that Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been "engaging both sides equally to understand what these countries would commit to." She described it as "a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine," believing it should be acceptable to both parties and asserting the US is "working very hard to get it done."

Moscow's Downplay and Lack of Consultation

Moscow, for its part, has downplayed the significance of the rumored 28-point plan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged "contacts" with the US but denied any formal "consultations" process.

The lack of direct Ukrainian and European involvement in drafting the plan has raised concerns. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that "for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board." Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko echoed this sentiment, telling the BBC that Ukraine had "not been consulted" and expressed the pain felt by Ukrainians at the prospect of decisions being made on their behalf. Peskov also noted that any peace deal must address the "root causes of the conflict," a phrase Moscow often uses to refer to its maximalist demands, which Kyiv views as a call for surrender.

Trump's Diplomatic Push Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The statement from Zelensky's office followed a meeting in Kyiv with senior US military figures, including US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. While appreciative of President Trump's efforts to restore security in Europe, Zelensky stressed in his nightly address that Ukraine requires a "worthy peace" that respects the "dignity of the Ukrainian people."

Since commencing his second term, Trump has initiated several efforts to end the conflict, including a summit with Putin and visits by his envoy to Moscow. Yet, as the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches, both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions. The conflict continues with Ukraine effectively targeting Russian infrastructure, while Moscow's assaults persist, exemplified by a recent missile and drone attack on Ternopil, which killed at least 26 people.