Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled his willingness to engage with a U.S.-proposed roadmap aimed at ending the war with Russia. Described as “their vision” for peace, the plan suggests territorial concessions, military limitations, and abandoning NATO aspirations—measures Kyiv had previously dismissed. While cautious, Zelensky emphasized the need for a “worthy peace” that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity. The proposal, now under scrutiny, could have significant consequences for Europe’s security and Russia’s global standing.

In his nightly address, Zelensky confirmed that U.S. military officials had presented Kyiv with a detailed peace proposal, highlighting “points of a plan to end the war—their vision.” He stressed that Ukraine’s goal remains a real and lasting peace, one that cannot be broken by future invasions.

The leaked draft of the plan proposes that Kyiv cede substantial areas of the Donetsk region, reduce the size of its army, and forgo NATO membership. It also envisions European fighter jets stationed in neighboring Poland and a reintegration of Russia into the global economy, including lifting sanctions and readmitting Moscow into the G7 to restore it as the G8.

While Ukraine would receive “reliable security guarantees,” details remain vague, and critics warn that the plan appears heavily skewed in Moscow’s favor. Despite this, Zelensky has not rejected the plan outright, signaling openness while insisting that any peace must respect Ukraine’s dignity.

The White House rejected claims that Ukraine had been sidelined. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. engaged “equally with both sides,” describing the proposal as a “good plan for both” and emphasizing that discussions were ongoing. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev reportedly consulted senior Ukrainian officials before presenting the plan to Zelensky.

European leaders expressed concerns over the process. Germany’s Foreign Minister called it more of a “menu of options” than a concrete treaty, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that any lasting deal must have Ukraine and Europe fully on board. Meanwhile, Moscow downplayed the draft’s significance, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing any peace initiative as preliminary and emphasizing the need to address the “root causes” of the conflict.

Zelensky is set to discuss the plan with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pursued several initiatives aimed at ending the war. Despite ongoing Russian attacks—including a recent assault on Zaporizhzhia that killed five people—Kyiv continues to defend its territory and target Russian military infrastructure.

How a Peace Deal Could Reshape the World—
If implemented, the U.S.-brokered plan could redefine global geopolitics. Europe could see a new security framework where NATO’s expansion is limited, and Russia regains economic and political footing. Moscow’s reintegration into the G8 would mark a dramatic comeback, while Ukraine would gain formal assurances for its security. The deal could set a precedent for resolving territorial conflicts through negotiation, potentially reshaping how international disputes are approached in the future.