Overview of the Proposal and Initial Reactions
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that a U.S. proposal to end the conflict in Ukraine "could form the basis of a final peace settlement." Putin acknowledged receiving what he described as a "new version" or "modernized plan" but noted that the text had not been discussed substantively with Moscow. He speculated that the U.S. administration might not have secured Ukraine's consent, suggesting Ukraine and its European allies may still believe in a strategic defeat for Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, characterizing the current period as a pivotal point in the conflict. He indicated that Ukraine might face a difficult choice between upholding its sovereign rights and potentially losing American support as negotiations proceed on the U.S. peace proposal. Zelenskyy confirmed discussing the peace proposal with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for nearly an hour.
Details of the U.S. Plan and Stakeholder Positions
The U.S. plan reportedly incorporates several long-standing demands from Moscow while offering limited security guarantees to Ukraine. Key elements include:
- Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.
- A reduction in the size of Ukraine's military.
- Blocking Ukraine's path to NATO membership.
Zelenskyy has consistently rejected the idea of territorial concessions. While pledging constructive discussions with Washington, he acknowledged the possibility that Ukraine might not achieve all its objectives and could face the risk of losing American support. He described the current pressure on Ukraine as exceptionally difficult, urging Ukrainians to unite and prepare for challenging peace talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a radio interview, indicated a Thursday deadline for Zelenskyy's response to his 28-point plan, though extensions are possible. Trump also asserted that Putin's current focus was on "punishment" rather than further military expansion in Europe.
European Responses and Concerns
Following discussions with Zelenskyy, leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom assured him of their continued support. They welcomed U.S. efforts towards peace, particularly the commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and the offer of security guarantees. The leaders emphasized that the existing line of contact should serve as a departure point for any agreement and that Ukrainian armed forces must retain the capability to defend national sovereignty effectively.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's conflict with Ukraine represents an "existential threat to Europe." She asserted that "Russia has no legal right whatsoever to any concessions from the country it invaded" and that the terms of any peace agreement are ultimately for Ukraine to determine.
An anonymous European government official indicated that the U.S. plans had not been officially presented to Ukraine's European allies, describing some proposals as "quite concerning" and noting that a disadvantageous deal for Ukraine could threaten broader European security. European Council President Antonio Costa similarly stated that the European Union had not received official communication about the plans.
Internal Discussions and Discrepancies
Ukrainian officials are currently evaluating the U.S. proposals, with Zelenskyy expecting to speak with Trump in the coming days.
A senior Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, claimed that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff had discussed the plan with Rustem Umerov, a top advisor to Zelenskyy, and that Umerov had agreed to most of the plan after modifications before presenting it to Zelenskyy.
However, Umerov denied this account, stating that his role was to organize meetings and prepare for talks. He confirmed that technical discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine are ongoing in Kyiv, reiterating Ukraine's commitment to its principles of sovereignty, national security, and a just peace.