Zelensky Says He’s Ready to Discuss Trump’s New Ukraine Peace Plan

In a major shift after years of war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to hold “honest” talks about U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 28-point peace proposal. The decision comes at a difficult time: winter is getting harsher, and U.S. military aid to Ukraine is still uncertain. Some people are hoping this could finally end the war, while others worry it might force Ukraine into painful compromises.

On Thursday, Zelensky met U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv, who gave him the full draft of Trump’s plan. After the meeting, Zelensky said he was ready to discuss the proposal seriously. “The Americans showed their idea of how this war could end. I explained Ukraine’s main principles,” he said. “Both sides agreed to work quickly and honestly to see if real peace is possible.” He added that Ukraine is facing “one of the hardest moments in our history,” and must choose between difficult compromises now or a very tough winter ahead.

Media outlets like Axios and The Independent leaked details of the plan. It asks Ukraine to accept several major concessions:

Give up territory: Ukraine would formally hand over Crimea and parts of Donbas to Russia, adjusting the borders to match what Russia currently controls.

 

Reduce its military: Ukraine’s army would be limited to 600,000 soldiers, and some weapons—like long-range missiles—would be restricted.

No NATO membership: Ukraine would have to add a permanent ban on joining NATO to its constitution. NATO would also update its rules to reflect this.

U.S. security guarantees: In exchange, the U.S. would give long-term protection promises, possibly including advanced missiles, but no foreign peacekeeping troops would be allowed in Ukraine.

Economic deals: Frozen Russian money would be used to rebuild Ukraine. Sanctions on Russia would slowly be removed. Russia would rejoin the G8 and work with Western countries on technology and mining.

Other conditions: An immediate ceasefire after troop pullbacks, amnesty for war crimes, elections in Ukraine within 100 days, and a Russian promise not to attack Europe.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the proposal is “balanced” and meant to help both sides, though she admitted it won’t be easy for Ukraine to accept. Trump wants an initial agreement by November 27, saying Ukraine cannot continue the war without U.S. weapons and intelligence. A phone call between Trump and Zelensky is expected next week.

Reactions have been mixed. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plan looks similar to earlier Russian proposals and that Russia is willing to be “flexible,” but he also warned that Russia could push further if talks fail. Many European leaders, who were not included in early discussions, criticized the plan, calling it a “surrender” to Putin. The EU is now preparing its own proposal to protect Ukraine’s independence.

Some experts, like historian David Silbey, say the plan is unrealistic and puts unfair pressure on Ukraine at a moment when the country is struggling on the battlefield and facing internal tensions.

Zelensky says Ukraine still has firm “red lines”—no forced loss of territory and no limits on its army—but he also says he will not refuse talks. “We need a peace that lasts, not one that falls apart,” he said.

As early talks begin in Geneva this week, the world is watching to see whether diplomacy can bring peace before the holidays—or whether the war will continue into another cold and difficult year.