Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed readiness to advance a peace plan backed by the United States aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a recent address, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of involving European allies in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding contentious points in the framework.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials are currently engaged in efforts to reconcile differences on Trump’s proposed plan, which seeks to end Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II. Concerns persist within Ukraine about being pressured into accepting terms that are heavily favorable to Russia, particularly regarding territorial concessions.
During his speech to a gathering of allied nations, Zelenskiy urged European leaders to develop a strategy for deploying a “reassurance force” to Ukraine. He stressed that continued support for Kyiv is crucial as long as Russia shows no intention of ceasing hostilities. “We firmly believe security decisions about Ukraine must include Ukraine, security decisions about Europe must include Europe,” he stated. He added, “That framework is on the table, and we’re ready to move forward together—with the USA, with the personal engagement of President Trump.”
In a related development, Trump announced on social media that negotiations had reached a stage where only “a few remaining points of disagreement” need to be addressed. He indicated that he had instructed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow while his Army Secretary, Dan Driscoll, meets with Ukrainian officials simultaneously. Trump did not specify the timing of these meetings but expressed optimism about reaching a deal. “I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages,” he remarked.
Despite these developments, a Ukrainian diplomat noted that territorial issues remain a significant obstacle, suggesting that a final agreement is still uncertain. “These are really tough questions for us,” the diplomat commented, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of seven people and disrupted essential services such as power and heating. Many residents were forced to seek shelter underground during the assault, enduring harsh winter conditions.
At a White House event, Trump indicated that progress was being made towards a resolution, stating, “We’re going to get there.” There are indications that Zelenskiy may visit the U.S. in the coming days to finalize discussions with Trump, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security chief. However, this has yet to be confirmed by U.S. officials.
The intense diplomatic efforts from the Trump administration suggest potential movement toward a resolution, though skepticism remains due to Russia’s firm stance on its strategic objectives. Recently, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators convened in Geneva to discuss the latest peace plan, followed by Driscoll’s meetings with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi.
As the situation evolves, both Ukraine and its allies will continue to navigate the complex landscape of negotiations, balancing the need for security with the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict.
