The Kremlin has officially announced that Moscow has received the latest version of the proposed US peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, a development that opens the door to a new phase of diplomatic speculation about the future of the conflict, now in its third year. This announcement comes at a sensitive time, as international pressure mounts to find a peaceful solution to the war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed initial willingness to engage with the initiative, considering the principles contained in the revised plan as a potential basis for broader and more in-depth agreements in the future. In his daily address, Zelensky emphasized that "things have become very dependent on America," noting that "Russia pays close attention to American power." He added, "I am counting on more effective cooperation with the American side and with President Donald Trump.".
Background of the conflict and previous peace initiatives
The Russian-Ukrainian war erupted in full force in February 2022, becoming the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. Since its inception, the war has been marked by multiple phases of military escalation and unsuccessful diplomatic initiatives, including the Istanbul talks in the early weeks of the invasion. As the battlefield stalemate persisted and the human and economic cost mounted, diplomatic efforts resurfaced, this time driven by influential political figures such as former US President Donald Trump, who made ending the war a key campaign promise.
The importance of the plan and its potential impact
This plan is particularly significant because it originates from the team of former US President Donald Trump, reflecting a potential shift in US foreign policy toward the conflict should he win the upcoming election. While the plan's details have not been fully disclosed, leaks suggest it may be based on a freeze of fighting along current front lines as a first step toward broader negotiations. This approach is raising concerns in Kyiv and some European capitals that it could reward Russia for its aggression and legitimize its control over Ukrainian territory.
However, Zelenskyy indicated that there were “sensitive points” he wished to discuss directly with Trump, emphasizing his readiness to meet with him. Speaking to Ukraine’s allies, he said, “Ukraine has the framework that our teams developed in Geneva. This framework is on the table, and we are ready to move forward together.” The Ukrainian president also stressed the need to involve European leaders in any negotiations concerning the continent’s security, sending a clear message that Ukraine’s security is an integral part of European security. The future of this initiative remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly represents a new variable in the complex equation of the Ukrainian conflict.
