Putin Welcomes US Peace Proposal for Ukraine While Zelenskyy Faces Difficult Choice

Vladimir Putin has expressed tentative approval of a United States proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine, suggesting it "could form the basis of a final peace settlement."

The Russian President acknowledged receiving what he described as "a new version" and "a modernized plan," but noted the proposal had not been substantively discussed with Moscow. Putin speculated this was because "the U.S. administration has so far been unable to secure the consent of the Ukrainian side. Ukraine is against it. Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies are still under illusions and the dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield."

Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed his nation, emphasizing that Ukraine stands at a critical juncture in its prolonged struggle against Russian invasion. He suggested Ukrainians may face a difficult choice between defending their sovereign rights or potentially losing American support amid negotiations over the U.S. peace proposal.

The U.S. plan reportedly incorporates many of Putin's long-standing demands while offering limited security guarantees to Ukraine. It envisions Ukraine surrendering territory to Russia—a condition Zelenskyy has consistently rejected—reducing its military forces, and blocking its desired path to NATO membership.

Zelenskyy committed to engaging in constructive discussions with Washington during what he characterized as "truly one of the most difficult moments in our history." He reported having a nearly hour-long conversation with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll regarding the peace proposal.

In a radio interview, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he expects a response from Zelenskyy on his 28-point plan by Thursday, though he indicated an extension might be possible to finalize terms. "I've had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines," Trump remarked.

While Zelenskyy has shown willingness to negotiate with both the U.S. and Russia, he signaled that Ukraine might need to make compromises and confront the possibility of losing American support if it takes a firm stand. "Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest," Zelenskyy said. "Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."

He promised to "work calmly with America and all partners" while insisting on fair treatment. Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to "stop fighting" among themselves and warned that upcoming peace talks "will be very difficult."

Zelenskyy has spoken with leaders from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, who reassured him of their continued support. European officials are scrambling to respond to U.S. proposals that reportedly caught them off guard.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed to Zelenskyy "their unchanged and full support on the way to a lasting and just peace" in Ukraine. The leaders welcomed U.S. efforts to end the war and "the commitment to the sovereignty of Ukraine and the readiness to grant Ukraine solid security guarantees."

They emphasized that the current line of contact must serve as the starting point for any agreement, and "the Ukrainian armed forces must remain in a position to defend the sovereignty of Ukraine effectively." Starmer specifically highlighted Ukraine's right to "determine its future under its sovereignty" as a "fundamental principle."

European nations, viewing their own security as interconnected with Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion, have insisted on being consulted in peace efforts. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated in Brussels, "Russia's war against Ukraine is an existential threat to Europe. We all want this war to end. But how it ends matters. Russia has no legal right whatsoever to any concessions from the country it invaded. Ultimately, the terms of any agreement are for Ukraine to decide."

Trump countered suggestions that the settlement, which offers significant concessions to Russia, would embolden Putin to take further aggressive action against European neighbors. "He's not thinking of more war," Trump said of Putin. "He's thinking punishment. Say what you want. I mean, this was supposed to be a one-day war that has been four years now."

A European government official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the U.S. plans weren't officially presented to Ukraine's European supporters and described many of the proposals as "quite concerning," adding that an unfavorable deal for Ukraine would threaten broader European security.

European Council President Antonio Costa commented from Johannesburg that "the European Union has not been communicated (about) any plans in (an) official manner."

Ukrainian officials are currently evaluating the U.S. proposals, with Zelenskyy expecting to discuss them directly with Trump in the coming days. According to a senior Trump administration official speaking anonymously, a U.S. team began developing the plan after special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a top adviser to Zelenskyy. The official claimed that Umerov agreed to most of the plan after suggesting several modifications before presenting it to Zelenskyy.

However, Umerov denied this account on Friday, stating he only organized meetings and prepared for talks. He confirmed that technical discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine were ongoing in Kyiv, adding, "We are thoughtfully processing the partners' proposals within the framework of Ukraine's unchanging principles — sovereignty, people's security, and a just peace."