Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is prepared to engage with the United States on its proposed framework for ending the war with Russia — a plan that has generated controversy due to its major concessions to Moscow.
The leaked proposal suggests that Ukraine would surrender portions of Donetsk still under its control, reduce the size of its military to about 600,000 troops, and agree not to join NATO. These were all previously non-negotiable positions for Kyiv.
The White House has denied claims that the plan was drafted without Ukraine’s involvement. The document surfaced after a series of meetings between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russia’s Kirill Dmitriev, with many of the plan’s provisions appearing highly favorable to Moscow.
Ukraine, which has depended heavily on U.S. aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, now faces a shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has moved responsibility for further Kyiv assistance to NATO allies and prioritized a negotiated settlement.
The plan’s emergence coincides with Russia claiming incremental gains in the east and Zelensky facing a domestic scandal involving senior officials accused of misappropriating $100 million.
In a nightly video address, Zelensky confirmed that U.S. officials in Kyiv had presented their vision for ending the conflict.
“From the first days of the war, we have insisted on a simple principle: Ukraine needs real peace — one that cannot be shattered by another invasion,” he said.
European leaders — who have consistently backed a peace formula ensuring Ukraine’s territorial integrity — were notably excluded from the U.S.-Russia talks. Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul described the document as a list of “options and topics,” rather than a finished plan.
What the Draft Peace Plan Proposes
- Ukraine’s military capped at 600,000 personnel
- European fighter jets stationed in Poland to deter future attacks
- Security guarantees for Ukraine (details unclear)
- Russia expected not to attack its neighbors
- NATO expansion halted
- Significant sanctions relief for Russia
- Russia rejoining the G7, restoring the G8
Zelensky said he will soon speak directly with President Trump about the proposals, which also include Ukraine giving up certain weapons systems.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed concerns that Ukraine was coerced or excluded, insisting both sides were consulted. “We believe it is a good plan for both,” she said, offering no specifics.
A senior U.S. official told CBS News that Ukraine’s defense minister Rustem Umerov reviewed the plan, requested modifications, and approved the majority of its components before presenting it to Zelensky — though a Ukrainian MP said Kyiv was brought in only later.
Zelensky’s office released a cautiously worded statement saying Washington believes the plan could help “revitalize diplomacy.”
In August, Trump left a high-stakes Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin without an agreement, later expressing frustration. That led to new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies, taking effect Friday.
Publicly, Zelensky has avoided criticizing Trump’s approach and said he appreciates U.S. efforts aimed at restoring European security. But he emphasized Ukraine needs a “worthy peace” that protects national dignity.
Zelensky met senior U.S. military officials in Kyiv on Thursday, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Gen. Randy George, and U.S. European commander Gen. Chris Donahue.
When asked whether Europe was involved in drafting the plan, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas answered, “Not that I know of,” adding that any credible plan requires full support from both Ukrainians and Europeans.
As European nations increasingly shoulder the burden of financing Ukraine’s defense — with the UK, France, and others offering troops to help enforce any future peace — Russia has publicly downplayed the U.S. proposal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted no formal negotiations are underway and reiterated that any agreement must address Russia’s “root causes” — a phrase Kyiv interprets as code for sweeping concessions.
Trump’s second term has included a flurry of diplomatic attempts to end the war, with his envoy Witkoff visiting Moscow several times. But nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the sides remain far apart.
Meanwhile, fighting continues:
- A Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia killed at least five people on Thursday.
- Russia claimed it intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones.
- Earlier this week, missile and drone attacks killed at least 26 civilians in Ternopil, while 17 more remained missing.
