US peace plan for Ukraine: Russia says no formal communication as Zelensky open to review

Russia has said it has not received any formal communication from Washington regarding a proposed US peace initiative, even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated a willingness to consider the Trump administration’s “vision” for ending the conflict.

The widely leaked draft plan includes several conditions Kyiv has long rejected, such as ceding parts of eastern Donetsk still under Ukrainian control, limiting the size of its military, and committing not to pursue NATO membership. The concessions largely favour Moscow, prompting a measured response from Zelensky’s office on Thursday, 20 November.

The leaks surfaced as Russian forces pressed attacks, with overnight strikes killing six people—five in Zaporizhzhia in the south and one in Dnipropetrovsk in the east. Moscow has reported minor territorial gains, while Zelensky faces mounting political pressure at home linked to a $100 million corruption scandal involving senior officials.

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US defends drafting process

The White House has rejected claims that Kyiv was excluded from shaping the plan. US officials said the document was drafted shortly after discussions between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umerov, a top Ukrainian official who was reportedly supportive of many points in the plan. However, Umerov wrote on Telegram that he neither endorsed nor assessed the proposal, emphasising that Ukraine is still “carefully reviewing” suggestions from its partners.

Zelensky has avoided direct criticism, instead expressing appreciation for President Trump’s “efforts to restore European security”—a gesture seen as a way to maintain goodwill with the US despite perceived concessions to Russia. His office said the plan could, in Washington’s view, “revive diplomatic efforts,” and Zelensky is expected to discuss the proposal with Trump soon.

Russia maintains stance

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov confirmed that Russia has seen “new elements” in discussions but stressed that no official documents had been submitted and no substantive talks have taken place. Moscow claims it remains “fully open” to negotiations but insists any settlement must address the “root causes” of the war, phrasing Kyiv interprets as a call for sweeping concessions. Tensions have escalated between Washington and Moscow, with Trump imposing new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies on Friday, citing frustration over stalled negotiations.

European leaders call for inclusion

Kyiv and European leaders have repeatedly emphasised the need for a “fair and lasting” peace that prevents further Russian territorial expansion. Yet EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she has seen no evidence of Europe being involved in shaping the US plan, stressing that any workable proposal must include both Ukraine and its European allies. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the document not as a full plan but as a “set of ideas and options.”

Key provisions of the draft

According to reports, the draft plan would limit Ukraine’s armed forces to 600,000 personnel, station European fighter jets in Poland rather than Ukraine, and require Kyiv to relinquish many of its weapons. It promises “reliable security guarantees” without providing specifics. The plan also expects Russia to refrain from attacking neighbouring states and calls for NATO to halt further expansion.

Additionally, the proposal envisions reintegrating Russia into global economic and political structures, including lifting sanctions and inviting Moscow back into the G7, restoring the former G8 format.

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