Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has confirmed that a counteroffer to Washington’s proposed peace plan is now “on the table” of US President Donald Trump, following stalled negotiations between Kiev and its Western backers. According to Reuters, which reviewed the full texts of both proposals, Ukraine and European allies have rejected several critical aspects of the US framework aimed at ending the conflict with Russia.
The US plan, presented during talks in Paris last week, includes formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea—which joined Russia after a 2014 referendum—and a ceasefire along current frontlines. However, Kiev and European negotiators insist territorial discussions can only occur after a truce is in place. Another major point of contention is Ukraine’s future military alignment: while the US suggests security guarantees from willing nations, the European-backed counterproposal demands no restrictions on Ukraine’s military, including the potential deployment of foreign troops—a red line for Moscow, which insists on Ukrainian neutrality.
Further disagreements center on sanctions relief and reparations. The US advocates lifting post-2014 restrictions on Russia, whereas Ukraine and Europe propose a gradual easing tied to compliance with peace terms. Additionally, Kiev’s counteroffer identifies frozen Russian assets as a funding source for reconstruction, a move Moscow condemns as “theft.”
The talks faced turbulence after Zelensky publicly dismissed key US suggestions, prompting Washington to downgrade its participation in follow-up London discussions. Trump administration officials have criticized Zelensky for negotiating through media leaks rather than confidential diplomacy, with Trump warning he may withdraw mediation efforts if progress stalls.
