Zelensky open to talks on Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on Thursday that he is open to negotiating on a peace plan for Ukraine proposed by the Trump administration, according to officials from both countries.
The plan, which calls for Ukraine to make significant concessions—including ceding territory currently under its control to Russia—has drawn concern from Kyiv and European capitals. Despite the controversial proposals, Zelensky agreed to work with U.S. officials to discuss the plan’s provisions, signaling willingness to negotiate with President Trump in the coming days. Driscoll presented Zelensky with a written copy of the plan, and Ukrainian officials said both sides agreed on an “aggressive timeline for signature.” Zelensky’s office stated that the discussions focused on principles important to the Ukrainian people and emphasized working toward a just end to the war.
Driscoll’s delegation had initially traveled to Ukraine to discuss military technology and strategy, but was redirected by the White House to facilitate negotiations on behalf of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The plan, developed by Witkoff and U.S. officials in consultation with Russia, had previously caused a diplomatic stir after a planned meeting between Witkoff and Zelensky broke down earlier this week. During the meeting with Driscoll, Ukrainian officials described Zelensky as more conciliatory, noting that the decision was to work jointly to make peace possible.
The Trump administration has emphasized that the plan is a “framework of ideas” incorporating both Ukrainian and Russian positions, and has sought to reassure Ukraine and European allies that their concerns will be considered. However, European officials were not consulted during the initial drafting, and some elements of the plan are seen as favorable to Moscow, including limitations on the Ukrainian military’s size and capabilities after the conflict.
Zelensky faces growing domestic political pressure, including a corruption scandal involving close associates and calls from opposition leaders to reform his government. Some analysts suggest this may make him more willing to consider concessions, while others caution that political uncertainty could make him less likely to agree to any deal perceived as capitulating to Russia. Driscoll, who was informed only last week that he would serve as a special envoy for the plan, will continue meetings in Kyiv with defense industry representatives and Ukrainian military leaders while advancing discussions on the proposed peace framework.
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