Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is prepared to work with the United States on “their vision” for ending the war with Russia, even as a leaked draft peace proposal suggests terms heavily favourable to Moscow. The US maintains that Ukraine was involved in shaping the plan, though Kyiv and European allies have reacted cautiously.
US plan proposes major concessions to Russia
The widely leaked draft—developed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev—includes proposals Ukraine has long rejected: ceding remaining Kyiv-controlled areas of Donetsk, limiting its military to 600,000 personnel, pledging not to join NATO, and accepting foreign-stationed jets in Poland for security. The draft also envisions lifting sanctions on Russia and bringing it back into the G7, effectively restoring the G8. It further “expects” Russia not to invade neighbours and NATO not to expand eastward. Kyiv would receive “security guarantees”, though no details are given.
Kyiv responds cautiously amid corruption scandal and battlefield pressure
The leaked proposal surfaced as Zelensky grapples with a domestic corruption scandal involving $100m and reports of Russian territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. Delivering his nightly address, Zelensky said US officials in Kyiv had presented “their vision” for ending the war. He reiterated that Ukraine seeks “real peace — one that will not be broken by a third invasion.” His office later said the US believes the draft could “help reinvigorate diplomacy,” carefully avoiding endorsement or rejection.
Zelensky to discuss proposal directly with Trump
Zelensky is expected to speak with President Donald Trump in the coming days. Since returning to office, Trump has shifted US policy by pushing NATO allies to fund Ukraine’s aid while prioritising a negotiated peace. The White House rejected claims that Ukraine was excluded from drafting the proposal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had engaged “equally with both sides” and insisted the plan was “good for both,” though she offered no specifics. A senior US official told CBS that the plan was drawn up after discussions with senior Zelensky aide Rustem Umerov, who allegedly agreed to most provisions before sending them to Zelensky. However, some Ukrainian lawmakers say Kyiv was involved only later.
Europe sidelined and uneasy
European allies, traditionally central to negotiations on Ukraine, were not included in the plan’s development. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described it not as a final peace proposal but a “list of topics and options,” echoing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe had not been part of the drafting. “For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans onboard,” she stressed. Countries like the UK and France have taken on more responsibility for Ukraine’s military and financial support and have offered to contribute forces to uphold any settlement.
Moscow dismissive; demands remain unchanged
Russia has downplayed the 28-point draft, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying there were “contacts” but no formal consultations. He reiterated that any peace must address Russia’s “root causes” — a phrase widely interpreted as demands amounting to Ukrainian surrender, such as recognition of annexed territories and long-term limits on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
War continues despite diplomatic manoeuvres
Despite diplomatic activity, the conflict remains intense. A Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia on Thursday killed at least five people, authorities said. Hours later, Moscow claimed it destroyed 33 Ukrainian drones across several regions. Earlier in the week, at least 26 people were killed in Russian attacks on Ternopil, with 17 still missing. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, Ukraine has increased long-range drone strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure, while Moscow continues large-scale missile and drone attacks.