Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold crucial meetings with key European allies as the United States intensifies pressure on Kyiv to accept a revised peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. This comes amid growing concerns over potential concessions in eastern Ukraine, particularly the contested Donbas region.

Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Push in Europe

President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in London on Monday. The meetings will focus on securing defense and security support while discussing the implications of the US-backed peace proposal. These diplomatic talks aim to address both immediate military needs and long-term economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine, which has been heavily affected by nearly four years of conflict.

Following London, Zelenskyy is also expected to meet in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the increasing importance of European solidarity amid US pressure.

US Pressure and the Revised Peace Plan

The Trump administration has taken an assertive role as a self-appointed mediator, reportedly favoring Russian positions in the peace negotiations. A leaked 28-point plan developed by Trump’s advisers last month was criticized as a “Russian wishlist,” sparking backlash from Ukrainian officials and European partners.

In response, Ukraine, with support from European allies, drafted a revised peace plan, which was subsequently shared with US officials. Last week, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner presented the updated proposal to Moscow before engaging in several days of discussions with Ukrainian negotiators in Miami. Despite these efforts, talks concluded without a breakthrough.

The Donbas Dilemma

One of the most contentious points remains the requirement for Ukraine to cede control of the eastern Donbas region to Russia. Russian forces currently occupy much of this area, making the potential concession highly controversial. Zelenskyy emphasized that further discussion is needed on critical issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine and control over its eastern territories.

“There are different visions among the US, Russia, and Ukraine regarding Donbas,” Zelenskyy stated, noting that Kyiv is actively seeking a separate security pact with Western allies, particularly the United States.

US President Trump has criticized Zelenskyy for resisting the Donbas concession, suggesting that while Russia might accept the plan, Ukraine is not yet ready to agree. “His people love it, but he isn’t ready,” Trump commented, underscoring the tension surrounding the negotiations.

Ukraine’s Ongoing Security Challenges

Ukraine is facing one of the most challenging phases of the war, with intensified Russian offensives in the east leading to widespread power outages and destruction in multiple cities and towns. Zelenskyy described the Miami discussions as constructive but difficult, reflecting the complex dynamics of the conflict and the high stakes involved in any peace deal.

Top Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed that he would brief Zelenskyy on the outcomes of the US talks and provide all relevant documents for review, ensuring Kyiv maintains a strategic approach to negotiations.

Russia’s Position

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not publicly endorsed the revised plan, Moscow welcomed the Trump administration’s new national security strategy, viewing it as aligned with Russian objectives. The strategy frames the conflict in Ukraine as a core US interest, warns of Europe’s “civilizational erasure,” and signals a shift toward restoring strategic stability with Moscow.

Despite these diplomatic maneuvers, little indication exists that either Ukraine or Russia is willing to formally sign a peace deal, leaving the future of the Ukraine-Russia war uncertain.