Zelensky Supports a Peace Plan to Put an End to the War in Ukraine

Zelensky applauds the US plan to end the conflict but cautions that the peace must preserve Ukraine’s national security, sovereignty, and dignity.

After receiving a draft peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country is prepared for “honest work” with the United States.

According to US media sources, the proposal would compel Ukraine to give up vital weapons systems, limit its military to 600,000 troops, swear not to join NATO, and cede portions of Donbas that it still controls. Unspecified “reliable security guarantees,” such as European fighter jets based in Poland, would be provided to Ukraine in exchange.

Additionally, the document suggests reintegrating Russia into the world economy, which could lead to the G7 making concessions to the G8, which seem to be in line with Moscow’s long-standing aspirations.

Zelensky’s office stated in a statement that Ukraine had committed to implementing the terms of the plan “in a way that would bring about a just end to the war.”

Zelensky has stated that he “appreciated the efforts, to return security to Europe” and that Ukrainians deserve a “worthy peace.” Zelensky is anticipated to discuss the idea with US President Donald Trump in the coming days.

“It’s a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine,” said US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, refuting allegations that the plan requires significant compromises from Ukraine.

After proposing a number of changes, Rustem Umerov, Kyiv’s chief negotiator, reportedly agreed to the majority of the terms, according to a senior US official.

However, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, “Not that I know of,” separating Europe from the process. Any proposal must have the support of both Europeans and Ukrainians in order to succeed.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, confirmed “contacts” with Washington but rejected any formal discussions, saying there was “no process that could be called ‘consultations.'”
In shorthand for Russia’s expansive territorial claims, he cautioned that any agreement must address the “root causes” of the conflict.

“Ukraine must decide its own destiny,” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed.

The conflict is still fierce despite continuous proposals, At least five individuals were killed Thursday in a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia. 26 people were killed in previous attacks on Ternopil, and others are still missing in the debris. Overnight, Russia said it shot down 33 Ukrainian drones.

Trump, who is currently in his second term as president, has intensified his efforts to reach a negotiated settlement, sending diplomatic delegations to Moscow and Kyiv and holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The two sides are still quite different on what peace should entail as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion draws closer.