In a briefing with journalists on 8 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the current US‑drafted plan to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian war contains 20 points instead of the original 28, according to Liga. He said the earlier version included "openly not pro-Ukrainian" points, which have now been removed.
US adjusts peace proposal after earlier Geneva and Miami discussions
Zelenskyy said the document shown to him by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umierov differs from what followed earlier rounds of talks in Geneva and Miami. He explained that the foundation remains the same but emphasized that the plan has been streamlined.
The President said issues tied to Ukraine’s postwar recovery involve financial commitments and must include the European perspective. He noted that he discussed this with European leaders and said Europe must be engaged in the wider conversation.
Zelenskyy says US wants war to end, but Ukraine defines fair terms
Speaking to Liga’s correspondent in Brussels, Zelenskyy said he sees a genuine US intention to achieve peace in Ukraine. He stressed that the US is a strong partner and that US President Donald Trump seeks to end the Russian‑Ukrainian war. He added that Ukraine has a deeper understanding of the conflict because “we live inside it.”
Zelenskyy said Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner, who works with special envoy Steve Witkoff and other members of the negotiation team, “is trying hard.” He said Ukraine sees real effort from the US side.
“I definitely see that they want the war to end. This is not a game from the United States. It’s important to everyone that the war ends. But for us, it’s also important how and on what terms. So there is no risk of a repeat of the war. Because we don’t trust Russia,” he said.
Ukraine rejects territorial concessions as US seeks compromise
Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine does not consider any transfer of its land. The President stated the topic of trading land for security guarantees is not on the table. Zelenskyy noted that such ideas have surfaced before but said he doubts that the approach is correct.
“We have no legal right under Ukrainian law, our Constitution, international law, to be honest, and we have no moral right. Russia insists we hand over territory. We do not want to give anything away — that’s what we fight for,” he said, adding that the US is now looking for compromise.
He highlighted several sensitive issues in talks: the Donbas (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts), the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, money for recovery, and long‑term security guarantees for Ukraine. On the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Zelenskyy said:
“Yes, it is occupied today, but everyone understands… I’m not sure Russia understands this, but we and our partners talk about how it won’t work normally without us. So we still need to talk about it.”
Zelenskyy warned that the most difficult topic is Russia’s push to seize part of Donetsk Oblast. He said Moscow continues pressure on Ukraine not only with its military but also by using information operations and diplomatic tools. He stressed that Ukraine must protect its land as Russia works to strengthen its position.
