Zelensky to speak with Trump after peace proposal, concerns over resolution of Ukraine-Russia war

International Desk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will speak with Donald Trump after receiving the US’s proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky’s office said in a statement on Thursday that the plan, which did not involve Ukraine, was jointly developed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev.

According to the United States, the draft plan “could be helpful in reactivating diplomatic efforts.”

Zelensky’s office said Ukraine “agreed to work on any constructive proposal that could ensure a just peace.”

According to sources, the plan includes provisions such as a proposal to withdraw from the remaining controlled parts of Donbas, reducing the size of the army, and limiting weapons capabilities, which are tilted towards Russian interests.

Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt told reporters at the White House briefing that Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are communicating equally with both sides and it’s a good plan for both.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while there had been “contact” with the United States, it could not be called “discussions or consultations.”

Before the statement, Zelensky met with US military officials in Kyiv, including US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, and US Army Europe Commander General Chris Donahue.

Although Zelensky did not give a warm response after the meeting, he said he “appreciates” the efforts of Trump and his team to restore security in Europe.

He also said that Ukraine needs a “deserved peace” and that the “dignity of the Ukrainian people” must be protected.

However, European leaders have expressed concern about formulating a peace plan without the involvement of Ukraine or European countries.

“For any plan to succeed, Ukraine and Europe must be involved,” said European Union foreign policy chief Kaya Kalas.

Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko said they were not included in the planning and that it was “like trying to make decisions for us,” which is painful for many Ukrainians. The reality of the war remains the same; Ukraine is able to target Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities with long-range drones, but Russian attacks continue.

At least 26 people were killed and 17 are still missing in Russian missile and drone strikes in Ternopil this week. There is uncertainty from Kiev to Brussels about how far the US proposal will advance a resolution to the war.