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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Signals Peace Proposal With U.S. Support Could Be Finalized Soon
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday that proposals being negotiated with U.S. officials to end Russia’s nearly four-year invasion could be finalized within days, describing the draft peace plan as “very workable” despite it being “not perfect.”
Speaking after talks in Berlin, Zelenskyy indicated American envoys will present the proposal to the Kremlin before possible further discussions in the United States next weekend. The momentum in these U.S.-led peace efforts represents the most significant diplomatic push since the war began in February 2022.
“We are very close to a deal on strong security guarantees,” Zelenskyy told reporters, though he cautioned that significant issues remain unresolved—particularly the status of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian occupation.
A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, revealed that the security framework would be built around Western support for maintaining a strong Ukrainian military. “Europeans will lead a multinational and multi-domain force to strengthen those troops and to secure Ukraine from the land, sea and air, and the U.S. will lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, with international participation,” the official explained.
American officials claimed there’s approximately 90% consensus between Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. on the American-authored peace plan. President Donald Trump expressed optimism, stating, “I think we’re closer now than we have been, ever” to reaching a settlement.
However, substantial challenges remain. The territorial question stands as the most contentious issue, with Zelenskyy firmly rejecting any recognition of Moscow’s control over parts of Ukraine, particularly in the economically significant Donbas region comprising Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. Russia doesn’t fully control either area, but Trump has previously suggested Ukraine may need to cede territory to secure peace.
“The Americans are trying to find a compromise,” Zelenskyy said. “They are proposing a ‘free economic zone’ in the Donbas. And I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean under the control of the Russian Federation.”
This position stands in direct opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands. The Kremlin insists on recognition of all territories its forces have seized in four Ukrainian regions, along with the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reinforced Russia’s position on Tuesday, emphasizing that Moscow seeks a comprehensive peace deal rather than a temporary truce. “We want peace—we don’t want a truce that would give Ukraine a respite and prepare for the continuation of the war,” Peskov told reporters. “We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests, and guarantee peace in Europe for the future.”
Zelenskyy warned that if Putin rejects diplomatic efforts, Ukraine expects increased Western pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and additional military support such as enhanced air defense systems and long-range weapons.
Ukraine and the U.S. are preparing up to five documents related to the peace framework, with several focused specifically on security arrangements, according to Zelenskyy. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the Berlin talks, noting, “Overall, there was a demonstration of unity. It was truly positive in the sense that it reflected the unity of the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine.”
The negotiations come at a critical juncture in the conflict, with battlefield dynamics shifting and Western support for Ukraine increasingly strained by domestic political pressures in key supporting nations. For Ukraine, the driving motivation remains ensuring Russia is “held accountable for what it has done—for this war, for all the killings, for all the suffering,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
As the diplomatic focus shifts to Moscow’s response, analysts remain uncertain whether Putin will engage meaningfully with proposals that fall short of Russia’s maximalist territorial demands. The coming days will likely prove decisive in determining whether this diplomatic initiative can gain traction or if the conflict will continue along its current trajectory.
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16 Comments
The potential for a peace deal is certainly encouraging, but I remain skeptical about Russia’s true intentions. Their forces have committed horrific atrocities in Ukraine, and I worry that any agreement could be used as a pretext to consolidate their gains. Verification and monitoring will be crucial.
That’s a valid concern. Russia’s track record of violating previous agreements makes it essential that any new deal have clear, enforceable terms with consequences for non-compliance. Oversight and transparency will be key to rebuilding trust.
Interesting developments in the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations. It will be critical to see what security guarantees are proposed and how they address the territorial disputes. A sustainable ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces is essential for any lasting resolution.
Agreed. The status of occupied Ukrainian territory will be a major sticking point. Any proposal must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As an investor in mining and energy equities, I’ll be closely watching how this plays out. A resolution to the conflict could open up opportunities, but the devil will be in the details of any proposed security framework and territorial concessions.
Agreed. Investors will need to assess the specific terms and their implications for key sectors like oil, gas, minerals, and related industries. Prudence is warranted until the full scope of the peace proposal is known.
From an energy and commodities perspective, a resolution to the Ukraine conflict could have significant ramifications. It could help alleviate supply chain disruptions and price volatility for critical resources like oil, gas, and minerals. However, the details of any peace plan will determine the magnitude of the impact.
Absolutely. The restoration of Ukrainian exports, particularly of agricultural products and minerals, could help stabilize global markets. But much depends on the final terms and whether Russia upholds its commitments. Cautious optimism is warranted at this stage.
This could be a pivotal moment if the US-backed proposal proves viable. Ending the conflict through diplomacy would be far preferable to the continued bloodshed. I’m cautiously optimistic, but the details will be crucial.
Absolutely. Zelenskyy’s cautious tone suggests there are still significant hurdles to overcome. The negotiations will require immense patience and compromise on all sides.
The timing of this potential peace plan is interesting, given the recent geopolitical tensions around the world. I wonder how it could impact commodity and energy markets, particularly for resources like oil, gas, and minerals critical to the global economy.
Good point. A ceasefire and de-escalation in Ukraine could help stabilize energy and commodity prices that have been volatile since the invasion. However, the long-term impact on supply chains and trade remains uncertain.
This is certainly a promising development, but I share the concerns about Russia’s sincerity and the challenges of resolving the territorial disputes. Any peace deal must have robust mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. The road ahead remains long and fraught with obstacles.
Well said. Zelenskyy’s cautious tone reflects the difficult realities of negotiating with Russia. While a diplomatic solution is preferable to continued bloodshed, the details will be critical in determining the viability and durability of any ceasefire or peace agreement.
This is a significant diplomatic development, but I share Zelenskyy’s cautious tone. Russia has shown little willingness to compromise, and the issue of occupied territories remains a major sticking point. I hope the parties can find a mutually acceptable solution, but it will be an uphill battle.
Agreed. Russia’s past intransigence in negotiations raises doubts about their sincerity this time. Any proposal must have robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure Russia upholds its commitments, which will be challenging to achieve.