Media: Zelenskyy's peace proposal faces growing scrutiny from Western allies

Western officials have sought to temper expectations regarding President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plan to end the war, which he is presenting in New York this week.

According to sources familiar with his discussions with foreign leaders, there are no significant surprises in his so-called "victory plan," with one official describing it as a "wish list," Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

The assessment reflects growing pessimism among allies as the conflict with Russia extends into its third year.

Concerns are also mounting about weakening support for Ukraine, especially with former President Donald Trump potentially returning to office after the upcoming elections. Some allies have suggested a renewed outreach to President Vladimir Putin, either by Zelenskyy or other nations.

As Russia boosts its weapons production, Western countries are becoming increasingly anxious about their own security. Moscow plans to raise defence spending to a record 13.2 trillion rubles ($155 billion) by 2025, according to draft budget proposals seen by Bloomberg.

Zelenskyy is promoting his plan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. While allies are committed to supporting Ukraine, there are calls for more clarity on what peace might look like. The Ukrainian president stated that his proposal aims to strengthen his country's position in future diplomatic talks with Russia. Meanwhile, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, urged NATO to invite Ukraine to join the alliance, dismissing Russia’s threats of escalation.

Zelenskyy, during a visit to a munitions plant in Pennsylvania, is urging allies not to waver, emphasising the importance of continued support. In an interview set to air on ABC, he claimed, "I think we are closer to peace than we think."

However, there are ongoing concerns about potential outreach to Putin ahead of the G20 summit in Brazil this November. Western nations have shown reluctance to meet all of Ukraine's demands for advanced weaponry, with US officials downplaying Kyiv's request for long-range missiles. Zelenskyy has warned that rejecting his plan risks dividing global support: "One side will support Ukraine, and the other one will pretend they support that Russia and Ukraine sit at the negotiating table."

By Khagan Isayev