KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine has formally confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelensky has received a United States–drafted peace proposal, marking one of the most consequential diplomatic developments since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
In a statement on Thursday, Zelensky’s office said the president was handed “a draft plan” during a meeting with a visiting U.S. delegation in Kyiv. The document, according to the statement, was presented by Washington as a potential breakthrough capable of “unlocking the talks” that have remained frozen for months.
Zelensky outlined to the delegation the core principles Kyiv considers non-negotiable. Both sides agreed to continue refining the proposal, with the Ukrainian leader stressing that the country “has sought peace from the first seconds of the Russian invasion” and supports “all meaningful proposals capable of bringing true peace closer.”
The statement added that Israel backs President Donald Trump’s renewed push to end the war and expects exploratory discussions between Zelensky and Trump in the coming days.
Although the full text of the proposal has not been made public, multiple international outlets report that Ukrainian officials privately consider the draft “extremely difficult” without major revisions.
Unnamed officials familiar with the document say the U.S. framework reportedly contains 28 provisions, several of which appear to reflect Russian preferences. These include requiring Ukraine to cede the remainder of the Donbas region, reduce the size of its armed forces by half, abandon certain military equipment, and accept a rollback of U.S. military aid.
Other reported clauses involve granting official state status to the Russian language and recognising the Ukrainian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church — positions long pushed by Moscow.
One Western diplomat told the Financial Times that the proposal was “heavily tilted towards Russia” and “very comfortable for Putin.”
Kyiv has reportedly described the terms as a “non-starter” without substantial amendments. Even so, Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of coordination with allies, stating that “American leadership must remain effective, strong” in shaping any sustainable settlement.
The emergence of the U.S. draft has triggered apprehension in European capitals, where leaders fear Ukraine may be pushed into accepting terms that erode its sovereignty.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas delivered one of the strongest reactions, warning that peace cannot come at the cost of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“Ukrainian people are killed every day,” she said. “They want the suffering to end as fast as possible, but it cannot be with the price of giving up your country.”
Kallas argued that pressure should remain on Russia, not Kyiv, noting that Moscow has made “not one single concession” since 2022. She said the Kremlin’s current willingness to entertain peace discussions stems from financial strain and fear of looming international reparations mechanisms.
She urged Western governments to stay united and continue pursuing reparations-based financing tools, arguing that Ukraine must be strengthened — not weakened — at the negotiating table.
Zelensky’s office reiterated readiness to work “constructively” with the United States, Europe and other partners to ensure that any outcome “is peace — and a just one.” Kyiv also underscored that no peace plan can work unless Ukraine and Europe jointly endorse it.
With winter approaching, battlefield pressures intensifying and political currents shifting in Washington, the coming negotiations are expected to shape the next phase of one of the defining conflicts of the decade
