Revised US peace plan wins praise from Zelenskyy, but call for just and durable peace continues

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism on Monday after reviewing the latest revisions to the United States’ proposed peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. Speaking in Paris following talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy said the updated framework “looks better,” though he stressed that negotiators still face significant challenges before a workable agreement can be reached.

The meetings in France form part of a broader diplomatic push to outline conditions for a potential ceasefire in what has become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. Ukrainian officials remain focused on ensuring that any agreement preserves the country’s sovereignty and security, while also addressing contentious issues such as territorial control and long-term guarantees against future aggression.

In Moscow, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Tuesday. Witkoff’s involvement has drawn scrutiny after reports suggested he had privately advised Putin’s senior foreign policy adviser on how to appeal to former President Donald Trump regarding the peace plan. Despite the controversy, the meeting signals that Washington and Moscow continue to evaluate the proposal’s terms through back-channel discussions.

The peace plan under consideration has undergone multiple revisions following concerns in Kyiv and Europe that earlier drafts had been too favorable to Russian interests, particularly regarding territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s future defense posture. Ukrainian officials say the latest version shows improvement, but that significant disagreements remain, especially over land currently occupied by Russian forces.

With negotiations gaining momentum, Ukraine, the United States and European partners are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks, though Zelenskyy emphasized that no agreement will be accepted unless it ensures a just and durable peace for his country.