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Ukraine Russia peace plan: tensions rise between Zelensky and Trump

Ukraine Russia peace plan delivered to the US as Trump urges “realism”

The debate over the Ukraine Russia peace plan is unfolding in an atmosphere marked by cautious optimism and intense political pressure. President Volodymyr Zelensky remains confident in Kyiv’s latest proposal to end the war, already shared with Washington according to Ukrainian officials. Donald Trump, however, continues to press the Ukrainian leader, insisting that he must “be realistic” as the negotiations move forward.

The day ended with a fresh round of discussions involving the US administration and a high-level phone call lasting forty minutes. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke in an effort to “make progress” on Ukraine. Yet the call appears to have yielded little clarity: Trump later revealed he had used “strong words” and was still undecided about attending a planned weekend meeting in Europe, arguing that “we don’t want to waste time”.

According to AFP, which cites two Ukrainian sources, Kyiv has now transmitted its updated Ukraine Russia peace plan to the United States. Zelensky confirmed this in an evening address, noting that the week “may bring developments for all of us and help bring an end to the bloodshed”. He stressed that Ukraine is finalising a twenty-point framework document intended to outline the parameters for halting Russian aggression and preventing any future invasion.

The twenty points are supported by two additional texts: one dedicated to security guarantees – particularly with the United States – and another focused on reconstruction and long-term investment. Zelensky and his team discussed the economic document during a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, describing it as the first operational session of the group tasked with shaping Ukraine’s recovery strategy.

Talks centred on financial mechanisms, joint investment options and the economic foundations required for reconstruction. Zelensky emphasised that overall security remains the basis for economic stability and a safe business environment. Kyiv and Washington have agreed to maintain close contact, and progress on the remaining documents linked to the Ukraine Russia peace plan is expected soon.

Trump’s tone, however, was far less optimistic. During a White House roundtable on the “gold card” initiative, he said he had held “tough discussions” with European leaders and reiterated that his attendance at the weekend summit would depend on “what we get”. He again urged Zelensky to “be realistic”, questioning the absence of elections in Ukraine and referencing a poll claiming that “82% of Ukrainians want a deal”. According to Trump, it is time to close the conflict and work towards an agreement.

Between diplomatic pressure, cautious hope and conflicting signals, the Ukraine Russia peace plan remains at a delicate crossroads, as Washington, Kyiv and Europe attempt to align their strategies for the next phase of negotiations.

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