Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed a US plan to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, suggesting it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement.” Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s National Security Council on Friday, he accused Kyiv of opposing the plan and described its position as unrealistic.The plan was developed by United States and includes many of Moscow’s long-standing demands. It would require Ukraine to hand over territory to Russia, reduce the size of its armed forces, and forgo Nato membership, while offering limited security guarantees. Putin said he had received the plan but added, “the text has not been discussed with us in any substantive way, and I can guess why. Ukraine is against it. Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies are still under illusions and dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield.”
Zelenskyy warns Ukraine faces tough choices
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, warning that Kyiv may face a “very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.” He said Ukraine will engage with the United States and Europe while ensuring fair treatment. Zelenskyy spoke with US vice president JD Vance and army secretary Dan Driscoll for nearly an hour on Friday to review the plan.“Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”
Trump urges response within a week
US President Donald Trump said he expects Ukraine to respond to the 28-point plan by Thursday but suggested an extension could be possible. “I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines,” he said in an interview on Fox News Radio. “But Thursday is it — we think an appropriate time.” Trump stressed that the aim is to stop the killing in Ukraine and insisted the proposals were not intended to provoke further conflict from Russia.
Europe pledges continued support
European leaders have urged Ukraine to remain in a strong defensive position while voicing cautious support for US efforts. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Zelenskyy, affirming their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Russia’s invasion as “an existential threat to Europe” and said the terms of any agreement must be decided by Ukraine. European officials were also concerned that the US plan, which they had not been formally briefed on, could weaken Ukraine’s strategic position and threaten broader European security.Ukrainian officials said they were reviewing the proposals carefully. Zelenskyy pledged to maintain Kyiv’s principles of sovereignty, people’s security, and a just peace while continuing technical discussions with the United States. “We are thoughtfully processing the partners’ proposals within the framework of Ukraine’s unchanging principles,” he said.
