Zelenskyy Prepares to Discuss Controversial Trump-Backed Peace Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he expects to engage in discussions with Donald Trump regarding a contentious US-Russian drafted plan to conclude the ongoing conflict. The proposal, which has sparked significant concern in Kyiv, would require Ukraine to surrender territory and substantially reduce its military capacity.
President Zelenskyy emphasised that any potential agreement must establish a "dignified peace" that demonstrates "respect for our independence, our sovereignty." This cautious statement from Ukraine's presidential administration contrasts sharply with the reactions of other Ukrainian officials, who have described the plan as "absurd capitulation" that would effectively terminate Ukraine's existence as an independent nation.
Key Elements of the Proposed Settlement
The 28-point draft proposal, reportedly developed by Russian and American officials including Kirill Dmitriev of Russia's sovereign wealth fund and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, represents what many analysts consider a near-total adoption of Moscow's maximalist demands.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration's support, stating: "the president supports this plan. It's a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine." She revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Witkoff have been quietly developing the proposal with both nations for approximately one month.
Territorial Concessions and Security Provisions
Under the proposed terms, Ukraine would face significant territorial losses. The plan mandates recognition of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian territory, including by the United States. While Kyiv still maintains partial control of Luhansk and Donetsk regions, these industrial areas would be surrendered entirely.
The southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, which Russia has falsely claimed to annex, would be "frozen along the line of contact." The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently under Russian occupation, would fall under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision with electricity production shared between both nations.
Regarding security arrangements, the proposal demands Ukraine reduce its army to 600,000 personnel, representing a substantial reduction from current levels. Furthermore, NATO would be prohibited from stationing troops in Ukraine, and the country would be formally barred from alliance membership, directly contradicting one of Kyiv's primary strategic objectives.
Diplomatic and Economic Dimensions
The plan outlines significant diplomatic shifts, including Russia's reintegration into the global economy and return to the G8 grouping after nearly four years of stringent sanctions. The document states that "Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand further."
Financial provisions include dedicating $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine's reconstruction, while additional funds would be invested in a US-Russian investment fund designed to create mutual interests and discourage future conflict. The proposal also requires Ukraine to conduct elections within 100 days and implement educational programs promoting cultural tolerance in both nations.
European leaders have expressed concern about being excluded from negotiations, particularly given the settlement's profound implications for continental security, especially along NATO's eastern flank. The proposed terms would require President Zelenskyy to reverse his consistent position that territorial concessions are unacceptable, creating significant political challenges for the Ukrainian leadership.
