Kremlin’s Position on U.S. Peace Plan
The Kremlin stated on Friday that the United States has not revealed any specifics regarding President Trump’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine, while expressing hope that discussions could commence soon.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russian diplomats have been in touch with their U.S. counterparts to outline a general framework for a potential peace agreement, but emphasized that “nothing substantial” has been addressed so far.
Mr. Peskov reiterated the Kremlin’s willingness to engage in peace talks, stating, “We are completely open — we maintain our openness to peace negotiations,” during a press briefing.
The specifics of the plan remain undisclosed but reportedly include contentious concessions from Ukraine, such as relinquishing key territories partially held by Russian forces, significantly downsizing its military, and abandoning aspirations of NATO membership.
Reports indicate that Washington has shared a version of this 28-point plan with Ukrainian officials for review. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he is evaluating the proposal but has not disclosed any details publicly.
Earlier reports suggested that Rustem Umerov, Zelenskyy’s top national security adviser, was involved in drafting the peace plan alongside U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during meetings in the United States. However, Mr. Umerov denied having any role in approving the plan.
Related: Weakened Zelenskyy faces U.S. pressure to accept Moscow-friendly peace plan
The uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-backed peace initiative coincides with significant military advancements by Russia in Ukraine. Independent assessments indicate that Russian forces have gained control over approximately 169 square miles along the extensive front line within the past month and have intensified aerial attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The Kremlin also asserted on Friday that around 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers are encircled in the eastern Kharkiv region, which is fiercely contested.
Peskov concluded by suggesting that Russia’s recent battlefield successes should prompt Kyiv to reconsider its stance on continuing combat operations. He urged President Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations promptly: “The effective work of the Russian armed forces should convince Zelenskiy and his regime that it is better to negotiate and do so now… His room for decision-making is shrinking as he loses territory during the offensive actions of the Russian armed forces.”
