Former President Donald Trump yesterday asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains unprepared to accept a US-authored peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. Trump’s remarks followed three days of talks between American and Ukrainian negotiators, designed to narrow differences on the administration’s plan. These discussions ultimately concluded without a clear resolution, highlighting persistent diplomatic hurdles.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Kennedy Center Honors, Mr. Trump expressed disappointment with President Zelensky. He claimed the Ukrainian leader had not yet reviewed the proposal, despite his own team reportedly approving of its terms. Mr. Trump suggested Russia was amenable to the plan, but reiterated his belief that Zelensky was not yet ready.

However, the Kremlin’s public stance contradicts Mr. Trump’s assessment of Russian approval. President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, insisted the US proposal requires “radical changes” before Moscow could consider acceptance. This directly challenges earlier suggestions from US envoy Keith Kellogg that an agreement was “really close.”

Moscow previously described aspects of the initial draft, which reportedly favored Russia, as unworkable. The first iteration of the US plan had proposed Ukraine relinquish control over Donetsk and Luhansk. This includes areas Kyiv still largely controls within the broader Donbas region, a highly contentious point.

Territory remains the most significant obstacle in any peace negotiations. President Zelensky has consistently rejected ceding land, arguing such concessions would only embolden future Russian aggression. Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, Olga Stefanishyna, confirmed “difficult issues remain” concerning territory and security guarantees.

Kyiv’s senior negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed President Zelensky will receive a full briefing on the recent US discussions and all associated documents on Monday. Umerov stated his team’s primary task was to gather comprehensive information on the US administration’s talks. He stressed the importance of joint efforts with partners for a “dignified end” to the war.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky spoke with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni about his recent US talks, noting both “prospects and challenges.” He underscored the need for continued international collaboration to ensure Russia genuinely commits to ending the conflict. Italy has offered backing for long-term security measures to prevent future aggression.

Separately, the Kremlin welcomed Donald Trump’s recently unveiled national security strategy, portraying it as a positive development aligning with Moscow’s views. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praised signals favoring dialogue and improved relations. However, he warned of potential sabotage from the perceived US “deep state.”

The ongoing conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians. At least seven people were injured in Okhtyrka, in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, after Russian drones struck a residential building. Governor Oleh Hryhorov reported significant destruction and casualties, with two victims requiring hospital admission.

Amidst these diplomatic and military developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s uncompromising military objectives. He declared Russia intends to seize full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region by force. This demand, requiring Ukrainian troop withdrawal, has been unequivocally rejected by Kyiv, further complicating any path to peace.

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