Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to send revised proposals to the United States aimed at ending the war triggered by Russia’s February 2022 invasion, following meetings with European leaders and a private audience with Pope Leo XIV in Italy.
Zelensky held discussions in London and Brussels on Monday with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, the EU, and NATO, amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump for a settlement. Trump has criticized Zelensky for allegedly not reviewing earlier US proposals, which Kyiv and its allies viewed as overly favourable to Russia.
After weekend talks between Washington and Kyiv, Zelensky said a 28-point US plan had been reduced to 20 points, which Ukrainian and European officials are now reviewing. “We do not like everything that our partners came back with. Although this issue is not so much with the Americans as with the Russians,” Zelensky said in a Monday press briefing. He added that Ukraine would submit its perspective to Washington on Tuesday evening.
A key sticking point in negotiations remains Ukraine’s sovereignty over its territory. Washington’s plan reportedly involves Ukraine ceding land that has not been captured by Russia in exchange for security guarantees falling short of Kyiv’s NATO aspirations. “Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution, and international law. And we don’t have any moral right either,” Zelensky stressed. He also emphasized the need for clear international guarantees in the event of renewed Russian aggression.
In Italy, Zelensky met Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo, where the Vatican said the pontiff expressed his “urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.” Later Tuesday, Zelensky is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a staunch supporter of Kyiv, though coalition partner Matteo Salvini remains sceptical. Italy has supplied weapons for use inside Ukraine but ruled out sending troops for a proposed international monitoring force.
European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected. Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our Union.” French President Emmanuel Macron added that discussions focus on aligning European-Ukrainian positions with the United States and preparing “robust security guarantees and measures for Ukraine’s reconstruction.”
The war, now approaching its fourth year, continues to challenge diplomatic efforts, with Zelensky navigating pressures from both European allies and the United States as he seeks a resolution that safeguards Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
