Zelensky welcomes amendments to proposed peace plan

Negotiators for a peace plan regarding Ukraine have left the most contentious issues, particularly concerning territory claimed by the Kremlin but not occupied by Russian forces, to be resolved by former President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. This decision reflects the complexity of the ongoing conflict and the challenges in reaching a consensus on territorial integrity.

Ukraine has made significant amendments to the US-proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, removing some of the more extreme demands initially included. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations and a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump, as European leaders express skepticism about the speed of reaching a deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a phone call to discuss critical issues, including Taiwan and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as efforts to negotiate peace in the Russia-Ukraine war intensify.

U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has emerged as an unexpected envoy for the Trump administration's latest peace proposal aimed at ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine, presenting a plan that includes significant concessions from Kyiv. His ties to JD Vance, a Eurosceptic ally of Donald Trump, have positioned him at the forefront of this diplomatic effort, despite his lack of experience in negotiation.

The US and Ukraine are currently engaged in peace talks in Switzerland, aiming to finalize a 28-point peace plan that has faced criticism for aligning closely with Russian demands. This plan, which modifies an earlier US proposal deemed unacceptable by Kyiv and its European allies, raises concerns about potential concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions.

The Kremlin has dismissed a European counter-proposal to a U.S. 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, stating it is unconstructive and does not align with Moscow's interests. This response follows the unveiling of the U.S. draft, which has raised alarms in Ukraine and among European nations regarding potential concessions to Russia on NATO and territorial issues.

A leaked 28-point US-Russia peace proposal has created confusion among Washington, Kyiv, and European capitals, putting Ukraine in a precarious position where it must consider terms it finds unacceptable. The Kremlin has remained passive, benefiting from the disarray this leak has caused.

European leaders, including the Swedish Prime Minister, convened in Angola to discuss renewed peace talks regarding Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for Russia to engage in negotiations while maintaining firm stances on territorial integrity. This follows a recent drone incident in Moscow, where Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted the city, prompting flight restrictions at local airports.