Zelenskyy poised to collaborate on US-supported initiative to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As Ukraine grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the Russian invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed an openness to collaborating with the United States on a diplomatic plan aimed at concluding the conflict. This willingness to engage with U.S. proposals, despite contrasting perspectives from European allies, highlights the complexity of balancing regional viewpoints while striving for sovereignty and peace in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled his readiness to work with the United States on a plan designed to end the ongoing war with Russia, despite receiving pushback from some European allies who argue that the U.S.-backed proposal is disproportionately favorable to Moscow. Zelenskyy’s office announced on Thursday that he has received a draft of the intricate plan, which is expected to be discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days.

While his office refrained from elaborating on the specifics of the plan, it has been reported that the 28-point proposal potentially entails Ukraine making territorial concessions and reducing its military capabilities. An unnamed U.S. official has shared that the initiative could involve Ukraine relinquishing control over certain regions in eastern Ukraine that Russia does not currently occupy, in exchange for a U.S. security guarantee aimed at preventing future Russian aggression against both Ukraine and Europe.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff have been quietly developing the proposal over the past month, taking into consideration feedback from both Ukrainian and Russian stakeholders, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Although she did not provide details about the plan, she affirmed that the Trump administration is supportive and eager to achieve a resolution.

Zelenskyy has also communicated that discussions about the peace initiative have taken place with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. He expressed readiness for constructive collaboration and emphasized that the Ukrainian and U.S. teams will diligently work on the necessary points to facilitate an end to the conflict.

On the other hand, Russia appears to downplay this latest initiative from the United States. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that while there are contacts between the nations, a formal consultation process is not currently underway. Furthermore, the skepticism surrounding the plan has been echoed by European allies, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot articulating that the pursuit of peace must not come at the cost of Ukrainian sovereignty. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underscored that any peace proposal would require extensive support from Europe and Ukraine to advance.

Reporting suggests that Zelenskyy is under increasing pressure to embrace the U.S.-endorsed diplomatic strategy, especially in light of losses suffered by Ukrainian forces to Russian advancements in the eastern regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently claimed significant territorial gains, which Ukrainian officials contest, insisting on their continued resistance and control over contested areas.

The conflict remains dire, with a recent aerial assault by Russian forces in Ternopil resulting in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and numerous injuries. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the grim toll and reported that ongoing military actions have damaged energy infrastructure across the nation, necessitating nationwide power consumption restrictions. In the face of these brazen attacks, Zelenskyy has reiterated the urgent need for increased pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy’s recent visits, including talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasize the importance of international collaboration in efforts to restore peace. He remains hopeful that Turkish mediation might help facilitate constructive dialogue as Ukraine strives for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

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