Zelensky Prepares Revised Ukraine Peace Proposal for US After European Consultations

Kyiv:

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Tuesday his intention to forward revised proposals to the United States "in the near future" regarding the conclusion of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, following strategic consultations with European allies.

The Biden administration has been urging Kyiv to accept Washington's proposed agreement, which initially faced criticism from Ukraine's supporters for appearing to favor Russian interests.

After meetings with European partners, Zelensky stated on X that "Ukrainian and European components have been further developed, and we are prepared to present them to our American partners."

He added, "We will be ready to submit the refined documents to the United States shortly." Previously, on Monday, he had indicated the proposals might be transmitted to Washington by Tuesday.

In an interview with Politico published Tuesday, former President Trump, who previously claimed Zelensky hadn't reviewed America's latest proposals, asserted Russia holds the "upper hand" in the conflict.

Trump further alleged that Kyiv was "using war" to avoid holding elections, which have been suspended under martial law since Russia's invasion began.

"They speak of democracy, but it reaches a point where democracy ceases to exist," Trump remarked.

Without martial law provisions, Ukraine would have conducted presidential elections in March 2024.

'No legal right'

Zelensky engaged in discussions with European leaders in London and Brussels on Monday, followed by meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday.

Washington's initial plan suggested Ukraine relinquish territory Russia hasn't yet captured—the entire Donbas region—in exchange for security assurances that fall short of Kyiv's NATO membership aspirations.

Zelensky revealed Monday that Washington's original 28-point plan had been condensed to 20 points following US-Ukraine discussions over the weekend.

He identified territorial concessions and international security guarantees as primary areas of contention.

"Regarding territorial concessions, we possess neither legal authority under Ukrainian law, our constitution, and international law, nor moral justification," Zelensky emphasized.

"The crucial question concerns our partners' commitments in the event of renewed Russian aggression. Currently, this question remains unanswered," he added.

During a televised event Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Ukraine's eastern Donbas region as Russia's "historical territory."

"This territory is significant; it is absolutely our historical territory," he stated.

Trump criticizes Europe

Trump has displayed inconsistent positions on Ukraine since returning to office in January, initially criticizing Zelensky for insufficient gratitude regarding US support.

However, he also expressed frustration that efforts to persuade Putin to end hostilities had proven unsuccessful, recently imposing new sanctions on Russian oil companies.

European allies have demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine throughout the conflict.

In his Politico interview, Trump criticized Europe's contribution, stating: "They talk but they don't produce."

Meloni, who positions herself as a mediator between Trump and Europe, has consistently supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion, though one of her coalition partners, Matteo Salvini's League party, exhibits greater skepticism regarding aid to Kyiv.

Italy has provided weapons to Ukraine with the stipulation they be used exclusively within Ukrainian borders. Meloni has also excluded sending troops for a potential monitoring force proposed by Britain and France.

The Italian government recently delayed renewing military assistance to Ukraine, with current authorization expiring December 31. Salvini reportedly questioned its necessity given ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Nevertheless, Meloni previously affirmed that "as long as conflict persists, we will contribute whatever possible, as we've always done, to help Ukraine defend itself."

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