Putin Signals Support for Updated U.S. Peace Plan as Kyiv Rejects Territorial Concessions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow is prepared to back a “modernised version” of the peace proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the updated 28-point framework as a realistic basis for ending the Russia–Ukraine war.
Addressing his security council, Putin said Washington revisited the plan after discussions in Alaska, presenting a more comprehensive document that Russia has now formally received and is willing to consider. He emphasised that Moscow has already shown “flexibility” despite the difficult terms involved.
Ukraine, however, holds a starkly different stance. President Volodymyr Zelensky—after a flurry of calls with NATO, European leaders, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance—warned that the country is facing “one of the most difficult moments” of its statehood. He rejected any deal requiring Ukraine to “betray its own country,” insisting that territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
The revised U.S. proposal reportedly combines immediate ceasefire terms with a massive reconstruction package tied to the release of frozen Russian assets. It also introduces security guarantees for Ukraine, restrictions on Ukraine’s future military actions, and a permanent constitutional ban on NATO membership. In exchange, Russia would commit to non-aggression, accept long-term monitoring, and receive phased sanctions relief, including a pathway back into global economic institutions such as the G8.
The framework outlines strict conditions: Ukraine’s forces would be capped at 600,000 troops; NATO would halt any eastward expansion; and no NATO soldiers would be stationed in Ukraine. The plan further details shared oversight of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, EU-aligned reforms, prisoner exchanges, nuclear plant supervision, and nationwide educational initiatives promoting tolerance.
One of the most contentious elements involves directing $100 billion from frozen Russian assets into Ukraine’s redevelopment, with Europe expected to match the contribution. A joint U.S.–Russia investment structure would manage remaining funds, while a dedicated security task force and a new “Board of Peace”—chaired by former President Trump—would enforce compliance.
Territorial terms are also controversial: Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk would be recognised in practice as Russian, while Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would remain frozen along current lines of control. A demilitarised buffer zone would be created in parts of Donetsk, acknowledged internationally as Russian territory but without Russian troops present.
Despite the extensive provisions, analysts note that Kyiv has consistently rejected concessions of this scale. Experts at Chatham House warn that while the reconstruction offer may appeal to Washington, the overall package represents a major diplomatic win for Moscow.
As Putin endorses the plan and Trump prepares to advance it on the world stage, global attention now turns to whether this proposal becomes a landmark peace agreement—or another stalled attempt at diplomacy.
