Zelensky says he is prepared to work with the United States on its proposed plan to end the war



Zelensky Signals Willingness to Discuss US-Backed Peace Plan Despite Tough Concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that he is ready to engage seriously with a controversial U.S.-proposed 28-point peace plan — even though it reportedly requires Ukraine to make very painful concessions. The proposal, which is said to have been jointly drafted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, outlines terms that many in Kyiv view as extremely demanding.

What the Draft Peace Plan Proposes

According to multiple media reports, the draft includes several major concessions from Ukraine:

  • Kyiv would be required to relinquish control of parts of the Donbas region, particularly territory in Donetsk that remains under Ukrainian authority. United24 Media+2The Guardian+2

  • The size of Ukraine’s military would be significantly reduced — reportedly limiting its army to around 600,000 troops. Reuters+1

  • Ukraine would apparently need to abandon aspirations to join NATO, enshrining a permanent policy of non-alignment. The Guardian+1

  • Some versions of the plan reportedly suggest recognizing Russophone cultural and religious rights, including giving status to the Russian Orthodox Church within Ukraine. The Guardian+1

  • In exchange, Kyiv would be offered security guarantees from the U.S. and possibly other partners—but critics say the details remain vague. The Washington Post

Zelensky’s Response: Firm But Open to Diplomacy

Zelensky has expressed a cautious willingness to work through “the points of the plan,” calling for a “worthy peace that respects the dignity of the Ukrainian people.” AOL+2Yahoo News UK+2

In a public address, he emphasized that while Ukraine supports diplomacy, it must not come at the cost of its national dignity or freedom. The National

After meeting with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv, Zelensky said both sides will now begin technical work on the plan. AOL+1 He also announced he expects to speak soon with Donald Trump, who has backed this proposal. euronews

Zelensky framed the process as honest and constructive: his teams and the U.S. will collaborate directly, but he insists that certain Ukrainian “red lines” must be upheld. The Guardian

International Reaction and Concerns

The plan has sparked significant concern, especially among European allies. Some European leaders argue that Kyiv was not adequately consulted in drafting the agreement. The Guardian+1

Critics argue that the proposal dangerously mirrors Moscow’s long-standing demands rather than setting a balanced peace framework. The Guardian French and EU officials have made clear that any peace deal should not amount to capitulation. Al Jazeera

Internal Ukrainian voices also warn that accepting such terms could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and military capacity for the long term. The Guardian

Why Ukraine Is Under Pressure

According to some reports, the U.S. has set a tight timeline. The Washington Post There are fears in Kyiv that, if it does not agree, military and intelligence support could be scaled back. The National

The push comes at a precarious moment: Zelensky himself called this “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” highlighting the emotional and political weight of the choices before him. The National

Possible Risks and Opportunities

Risks for Ukraine

  • Territorial Loss: Giving up parts of Donetsk or other contested regions could be seen by many Ukrainians as a betrayal of sovereignty.

  • Security Vulnerabilities: Reducing the army and giving up NATO prospects may weaken Ukraine’s future defense capacity.

  • Ambiguous Guarantees: Without clear, enforceable security guarantees, Kyiv could be exposed to renewed threats.

Potential Gains

  • A Path to Peace: If accepted, the plan might open a way to end a devastating war.

  • Economic Support: The proposal reportedly includes financial mechanisms, potentially using frozen assets for rebuilding.

  • Diplomatic Momentum: Signing could revive diplomatic channels, reduce fighting, and give Ukraine a chance to negotiate from a more stable position.

What Comes Next

  1. Negotiations Continue: Zelensky and U.S. teams will work “promptly” to refine the plan’s details. euronews+1

  2. Talks with Trump: Zelensky expects a conversation with Donald Trump soon to go through “key points required to achieve peace.” euronews

  3. European Role: Many EU countries are calling for a stronger say in any deal, arguing that Europe must be part of shaping Ukraine’s future. Al Jazeera

  4. Public Debate: In Ukraine, the proposal is already fueling a heated debate about national identity, security, and what “peace” really means.

Conclusion

President Zelensky’s willingness to engage with this bold and controversial peace proposal marks a serious shift in the diplomacy around the Russia-Ukraine war. While the plan demands steep concessions — including territorial losses, limits on Ukraine’s military, and an abandonment of NATO ambitions — Zelensky is signaling that dialogue is still possible under the right conditions.

This moment is fraught with risk: for Kyiv, turning away could mean escalating pressure and potentially losing a powerful ally, but accepting the plan could force a painful redefinition of Ukraine’s future. Whatever the outcome, the coming days will likely be decisive — for Ukraine’s destiny, its sovereignty, and the broader future of European security.

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