President Zelensky has vowed to protect Ukraine’s interests while rejecting a US-backed peace plan favoring Moscow.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed back against a US-proposed plan to end Russia’s invasion, while Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the proposal, which includes many of his hardline demands and gives Ukraine less than a week to accept, according to VANGUARD.
Speaking on Friday, Zelensky pledged to ensure the final agreement would not “betray” Ukraine’s interests, acknowledging the risk of straining relations with Washington. “We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now,” he said, recalling his leadership following the February 2022 invasion.
The 28-point plan, proposed by former US President Donald Trump, would force Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its army, rule out NATO membership, and hold snap elections. In return, Kyiv would receive unspecified security guarantees and a reconstruction fund from frozen Russian assets. Putin said the blueprint could “lay the foundation” for peace but warned that failure to accept it could result in further territorial gains for Russia.
Zelensky said he would propose “alternatives” and engaged in talks with US Vice President JD Vance, as well as European leaders from Germany, France, and Britain, who reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Public opinion in Kyiv remains divided, with citizens and politicians expressing skepticism or anger. Yanina, a 41-year-old seamstress, said, “Neither us nor Russia will make concessions,” reflecting widespread unease over the plan.