Kyiv (TDI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has received a draft plan backed by the United States aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, his office said Thursday.
Zelenskiy is expected to discuss the framework with US President Donald Trump in the coming days, Reuters reported. Washington has indicated Kyiv would need to accept the plan, which reportedly involves territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces, in order to move toward ending the nearly four-year conflict.
The proposal has already faced resistance from European countries, with officials warning that any requirement for Ukraine to give up land or partially disarm could amount to a capitulation. Zelenskiy’s office stated on Telegram, “We remain ready to work constructively with the American side and our partners in Europe and around the world to ensure a peaceful outcome.” The discussions with Trump will focus on the “key points required to achieve peace,” the statement added.
“The President of Ukraine outlined the fundamental principles that matter to our people,” it said. “Following today’s meeting, the parties agreed to work on the plan’s provisions to bring about a just end to the war.”
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Zelenskiy and Trump have had a rocky history, including a tense encounter at the White House in March, though relations improved during Trump’s visit later this summer.
The renewed US diplomatic push comes as Ukrainian forces face setbacks on the battlefield and Zelenskiy’s government confronts domestic political challenges. Parliament recently dismissed two cabinet ministers amid a corruption scandal.
Russia, meanwhile, has downplayed any new US initiative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Consultations are not currently underway. There are contacts, but no process that could be called consultations.” Moscow has reiterated that any peace deal must address what it calls the “root causes of the conflict,” a longstanding reference to its own demands.
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On the ground, Russian forces currently control nearly one-fifth of Ukraine and are positioned to capture their first significant city in almost two years, the eastern railway hub of Pokrovsk. Video released by the Russian defense ministry showed troops patrolling largely deserted streets amid charred apartment blocks.
European officials have stressed that peace must not mean surrender. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, “Ukrainians want peace, a just peace that respects everyone’s sovereignty. But peace cannot be a capitulation.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that US envoy Steve Witkoff had emphasized coordination with European partners in ongoing discussions.
