A controversial peace plan spearheaded by Donald Trump’s circle has moved to the center of the geopolitical stage, with Vladimir Putin accepting it as a potential basis for ending the four-year conflict in Ukraine. During a press conference, the Russian President acknowledged that the US-backed initiative addresses several Russian grievances. This development comes as Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, prepares for a high-stakes visit to Moscow, suggesting a ramp-up in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism for being heavily tilted in Moscow’s favor. Leaked details of the original draft suggested that Ukraine would be forced to make sweeping concessions, including ceding the Donbas, recognizing the annexation of Crimea, and abandoning its aspirations to join the NATO military alliance. Critics in Washington, spanning both Republican and Democratic lines, initially condemned the plan as “skewed,” arguing it validated Russian aggression by freezing frontlines deep within Ukrainian territory.
Despite the diplomatic movement, Putin remains unyielding on the ground. He has issued a direct threat that unless Ukrainian forces vacate specific contested territories, Russia will continue to pursue its goals militarily. Adding to the complexity, Putin publicly questioned the legal standing of President Zelensky, claiming that the Ukrainian leader’s expired term makes any signature on a peace treaty legally void. This stance suggests Russia is looking for a settlement that bypasses or delegitimizes the current administration in Kyiv.
For Ukraine, the pressure is mounting. President Zelensky has previously characterized the draft proposal as a threat to national dignity, yet he admits that “even the strongest metal can break.” European allies have stepped in to soften the blow, negotiating a reduction of the plan’s demands from 28 points down to 19. Ukrainian officials have since signaled a willingness to move forward with this revised version, preparing to debate the remaining sensitive issues directly with the Trump team.
The backdrop to these high-level negotiations remains grim and violent. As diplomats haggle over terms and points, the war grinds on with devastating consequences. Just this week, a massive Russian drone strike targeted residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia, serving as a brutal reminder that while politicians discuss peace, civilians continue to pay the price of the ongoing conflict.