After weeks of talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, the US is pushing Zelensky to accept a revised peace plan that would cede the Donbas region, Axios reports.
US Pressure on Ukraine
After weeks of negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, no consensus has emerged on a peace agreement. The main points of contention remain territory and security guarantees, with Americans reportedly tightening conditions following a Washington delegation meeting with Moscow.
Zelensky’s Phone Conversation with Washington Envoys
During a two‑hour phone conversation, Zelensky spoke with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Axios reports that the Americans sought a clear endorsement from Kyiv for a new peace proposal and tried to persuade that Russia aims to seize the entire Donbas.
According to reports, Zelensky explained to the envoys that he had not yet reviewed the draft, having received it an hour before the call, and that the revised plan contained terms more favorable to Russia—particularly over territory, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and undefined security guarantees.
Zelensky on the American Plan
On Monday, December 8, Zelensky met with European leaders and confirmed that the American peace plan had been trimmed from 28 to 20 points. He said negotiations are ongoing over key issues—including territory, reconstruction, and security guarantees—and that each iteration represents progress toward ending the war.
He also mentioned that Ukrainian and European advisers are drafting a new Ukraine‑Europe peace proposal expected by Tuesday, and that Kyiv already possesses partner guarantees, though he emphasized that the United States remains able to deliver the most substantial security assurances.
