KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday firmly rejected a US proposal that would end the war on terms heavily favourable to Moscow, warning that he would not betray his country even at the risk of straining ties with Washington. Zelensky pledged to present alternatives to the 28-point plan, which has startled Kyiv and its European allies.
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The US draft envisages Kyiv recognising Crimea and occupied eastern Ukraine as Russian territory, ceding parts of Donetsk, capping the size of its army, ruling out NATO membership, and holding snap elections. In return, Ukraine would receive unspecified security guarantees and a reconstruction fund using parts of Russia’s frozen assets. Moscow welcomed the proposal, threatening Zelensky to negotiate or risk losing more territory.
Addressing the nation, Zelensky said, “We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now,” recalling his leadership during the Russian invasion. He has spoken to US Vice President J. D. Vance and plans to speak with President Donald Trump in the coming days, while also holding emergency calls with German, French, and British leaders to coordinate a European response.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reaffirmed full support for Ukraine, stressing that its army must remain capable of defending the country. Germany particularly opposed immediate territorial concessions, saying the current front line should remain the starting point for any negotiations.
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The Kremlin, by contrast, appeared confident. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned Zelensky to negotiate immediately or face further territorial losses, signalling Moscow’s readiness to exploit Ukraine’s pressured position either diplomatically or militarily.