Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to hold direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump after Washington presented Kyiv with a draft peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. The proposal, which emerged from secret discussions between American and Russian envoys, has stirred controversy over its terms and the lack of Ukrainian involvement in its drafting.
According to reports, the plan suggests Ukraine may be required to cede parts of the Donbas region, reduce the size of its military, and surrender significant weapons stockpiles. Another version of the proposal includes a “cash‑for‑land” arrangement, under which Ukraine would lease territory to Russia in exchange for financial compensation — an idea reminiscent of Trump’s earlier ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump adviser Jared Kushner, were reportedly involved in shaping the plan. While the U.S. has described the draft as a potential pathway to reinvigorate diplomacy, critics argue it undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and rewards Russian aggression.
Zelensky’s office confirmed that Ukraine supports “all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer,” but stressed that any agreement must lead to a just and lasting end to the war. The upcoming conversation between Zelensky and Trump is expected to clarify Kyiv’s stance and determine whether the plan can serve as a foundation for negotiations.
The development comes as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces pressing offensives near Pokrovsk and Ukrainian officials warning of mounting civilian casualties.
Sources
Yahoo News – Zelensky to speak with Trump after U.S. proposes Russia‑Ukraine peace plan
LBC – Zelenskyy to hold talks with Trump after U.S. proposes new Russia‑Ukraine peace plan
iNews – Draft plan proposes Ukraine surrender territory and cut military
The Independent – Ukraine‑Russia war latest: Zelensky to speak with Trump after U.S. ‘approves peace deal with Moscow’
