Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Kyiv is reviewing a United States–drafted plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing that any agreement must ensure a “real and dignified peace” for Ukraine. The comments come amid intensifying pressure from Washington and continued battlefield assaults from Russian forces nearly four years into the conflict.

The Ukrainian leader’s remarks follow a series of calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as Europe seeks clarity on a peace plan it was not consulted on.

Zelenskyy: US Plan Must Reflect Ukraine’s Core Interests

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “working on the document prepared by the American side” but reiterated that the plan must uphold fundamental Ukrainian positions.

“This must be a plan that ensures a real and dignified peace,” Zelenskyy wrote.
He added that Ukraine and its European partners “are coordinating closely to make sure that the principled stances are taken into account.”

The Western leaders agreed that their teams would begin joint work on the proposal “at the corresponding levels.”

Reports: Trump’s 28-Point Peace Plan Includes Major Concessions to Russia

Media reports indicate that President Donald Trump’s 28-point plan aligns with several of Moscow’s key demands, including:

• Ukraine ceding additional territory
• Restrictions on the future size of the Ukrainian military
• A prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO

In exchange, Western sanctions on Russia would be lifted, and Moscow would be invited back into the Group of Eight (G8), from which it was expelled in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea.

Washington Pressuring Kyiv, Reuters Reports

According to a Reuters report citing two unnamed sources, the Trump administration has warned that it may cut intelligence sharing and military aid if Kyiv refuses to accept the U.S. framework.

The sources said Ukraine is facing “greater pressure from Washington than during any previous peace discussions,” with the U.S. expecting Kyiv to sign a preliminary agreement by next Thursday.

European Leaders Push Back, Stress Ukraine’s Sovereignty

European allies—who were not involved in drafting the U.S. plan—have voiced unease. After the joint talks with Zelenskyy, Germany said that key European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected.

While Macron, Merz, and Starmer welcomed U.S. efforts to end the war, they reaffirmed their “unwavering and full support for Ukraine on the path to a lasting and just peace.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these concerns, warning that any peace plan must not reward Russian aggression.

“We all want this war to end, but how it ends matters,” Kallas said, adding that Russia has “no legal right whatsoever” to demand concessions from the country it invaded in February 2022.

Russian Attacks Intensify as Diplomatic Tensions Rise

Amid diplomatic maneuvering, Ukraine continues to face heavy assaults across multiple front lines.

Ternopil Missile Strike

Rescue efforts in the western city of Ternopil continue following a Russian missile attack that left at least 31 dead and 94 injured, including 18 children. The strike hit a residential apartment building, causing significant civilian casualties.

Kharkiv Region

Russia claims roughly 5,000 Ukrainian troops are trapped near the eastern bank of the River Oskil in Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian military has not confirmed the claim.

Donetsk and Zaporizhia Fighting

Ukraine is also defending against escalated Russian offensives near the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, where fighting has intensified.

In Zaporizhia, a Russian strike late Thursday killed five people and wounded three, according to emergency officials. Russia has been pushing forward in the broader Zaporizhia region, which controls strategic access along the Dnipro River.

Kremlin Claims Momentum, Pressures Kyiv to Negotiate

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s recent battlefield gains demonstrate that “it is better to negotiate now rather than later,” suggesting Ukraine’s “space for free decision-making is shrinking” as it loses territory.

The comments are seen as an effort to reinforce U.S. pressure on Kyiv to accept the American plan—or risk facing worsening conditions on the ground.