Kyiv agrees to negotiate Trump’s Ukraine peace deal Zelenskyy stuns observers

According to a report by Axios, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that he is prepared to engage in negotiations over a new peace proposal put forward by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Axios, referencing sources within both the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, states that Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Prior assumptions were that Kyiv would sharply reject Washington’s proposals—particularly those involving notable territorial concessions to Russia. Contrary to these expectations, Zelenskyy signalled openness to discussion rather than outright refusal.

Axios’ source described Trump’s plan as a “living document,” meaning its provisions are subject to revision and compromise. The Ukrainian president’s office confirmed this general flexibility, stating:

“We are prepared for constructive, honest, and prompt work on this plan.”

A Ukrainian government official speaking to Axios noted that Zelenskyy adopted a more conciliatory tone than anticipated and chose to work jointly with the American side to refine the document to make a potential peace deal feasible.

On the U.S. side, officials said both countries had already agreed on an “accelerated signing schedule” should the negotiations succeed. Washington also assured that the views of Kyiv and the EU would be incorporated. One American official reportedly said that if certain elements of the plan prove unacceptable, the parties would attempt to adjust them through compromise.

Axios’ reporting is supported by a publication by Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko on Telegram, which outlines a 28-point peace framework covering military arrangements, economic recovery, Ukraine’s reconstruction, Russia’s global role, energy issues, and oversight of strategic facilities.

According to this description:

• Ukraine would receive U.S. security guarantees, with its sovereignty formally protected.

• Ukraine would be required to amend its constitution to permanently renounce NATO membership, and NATO would in turn commit not to deploy troops on Ukrainian territory.

• The size and capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be restricted, and Ukraine would remain a non-nuclear state.

The plan reportedly includes several major territorial determinations:

• Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk would be recognized de facto as Russian-controlled territories.

• Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be treated as “frozen” conflict zones, tied to the current line of contact.

• Some areas would become demilitarized buffer regions under de facto Russian supervision.

• Both Russia and Ukraine would commit not to alter borders through military force.

The plan also envisions:

• Formation of a U.S.–Russia working group.

• A formal Russian commitment of non-aggression toward both Ukraine and Europe.

• A large U.S.–EU investment package for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

• Gradual lifting of sanctions on Russia and restoration of Russia’s membership in the G8.

• Plans for long-term U.S.–Russia economic cooperation.

Domestically, the plan calls for:

• Nationwide elections in Ukraine within 100 days of the agreement’s signing.

• Full amnesty for all individuals involved in the conflict.

Oversight of the agreement’s implementation would be carried out by a so-called “Peace Council” chaired by Donald Trump.

Once the agreement is signed, the parties would immediately enact a ceasefire and withdraw forces to previously agreed positions.

Zelenskyy is expected to personally discuss the details of the proposal with U.S. President Trump in the coming days, according to Axios.

By Tamilla Hasanova