Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a willingness to engage closely with Washington on a U.S.-backed peace proposal, describing his approach as “constructive, honest and prompt.” Following a meeting in Kyiv with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, Zelensky affirmed that Ukrainian and American teams would collaboratively work on the key elements of the plan.
Although the full details of the 28-point plan have not been publicly disclosed, reports suggest it contains highly sensitive terms — including territorial concessions, military restrictions, and a new security architecture. According to media coverage, some of the most controversial proposals would require Ukraine to cede control over the Donbas region, formally recognize Russian control over Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, and limit its army to 600,000 troops. In exchange, Ukraine would receive “robust security guarantees,” though the exact form and enforceability of those guarantees remain unclear.
For Zelensky, agreeing to negotiate does not mean blind capitulation. His office says that while he has accepted a draft, he has also “outlined the fundamental principles that matter to our people.” He frames the collaboration as essential for a “just peace that respects everyone’s sovereignty, a durable peace that can’t be called into question by future aggression.”
This willingness to engage has stirred strong reactions. Several European allies have pushed back, warning that the U.S.-proposed plan could amount to a forced surrender of Ukrainian land and resources. Critics argue that such terms might undermine Ukraine’s long-term security and set a dangerous precedent for capitulation-style diplomacy.
Still, Zelensky appears determined enough to explore diplomacy. His team plans to hold further discussions not only with U.S. officials but also with other international leaders. According to his office, as part of upcoming diplomacy, Zelensky expects to engage with former U.S. President Donald Trump to explore key diplomatic pathways.
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Zelensky’s outreach underscores a realistic — albeit risky — gamble: he hopes that by aligning with the U.S. vision of peace, Ukraine can secure a deal that prevents future Russian aggression while preserving core national interests. At the same time, he is balancing a fragile relationship — negotiating under pressure from Western allies, wary of concessions, and on a war footing that demands both vigilance and flexibility.
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