Putin Says Updated U.S. Peace Plan “Can Serve as a Basis for Final Resolution”
The Kremlin signaled cautious openness to Washington’s 28-point proposal, while Ukraine’s President Zelensky warned the plan could force the country into a “painful choice.”
As diplomatic pressure intensifies and the battlefield remains volatile, Moscow and Kyiv offered sharply contrasting reactions to the United States’ revised peace blueprint aimed at ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the 28-article plan “could form the basis of a final settlement,” whereas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned it may leave Ukraine choosing between “losing dignity or losing a key partner.”
Putin: “The Plan Could Form a Foundation for Peace”
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin commented on the updated U.S. peace proposal, noting that the plan had been discussed even before his Alaska summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Putin said American officials had urged Russia to show flexibility and make certain concessions during the Alaska talks. “Despite the difficulties, we confirmed that we were ready to be flexible,” he said.
According to Putin, Washington paused the process after the summit because Ukraine rejected the proposal, prompting the U.S. to revise the document into its current 28-point version.
Putin stated that Moscow obtained the updated text through existing communication channels with the U.S. administration and added:
“This plan could serve as a basis for a final peaceful solution. However, it has not been fully negotiated with us because the U.S. has been unable to convince the Ukrainian side. Kyiv is opposed.”
He further argued that Ukraine and its European supporters “still dream of delivering a strategic defeat to Russia on the battlefield,” despite what he claimed was the reality on the ground.
Putin insisted that Ukraine does not grasp the current military situation, warning:
“If Kyiv refuses President Trump’s proposals, what happened in Kupiansk will inevitably occur elsewhere. It may not be fast, but it will happen.”
Despite his criticism, Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue diplomacy:
“We are open to peace talks, but the plan must be discussed in full detail.”
Zelensky: “Ukraine Faces a Very Hard Choice”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the issue in a video message to the nation, describing the U.S. proposal as an extremely difficult challenge for Kyiv.
Zelensky stressed that the 28-point plan includes tough conditions for Ukraine:
“Ukraine may face a very hard choice — either losing its dignity or risking the loss of a key partner.”
He added that refusing the plan could expose the country to the most challenging winter of the entire war.
Zelensky said Ukraine would work to reshape the proposal:
“We will present counter-arguments and alternatives. Our national interests must be protected.”
He emphasized that Ukraine would not give Russia the opportunity to claim Kyiv is avoiding peace:
“We will not give the enemy any excuse to say Ukraine does not want peace or is undermining diplomacy.”
Zelensky also reminded the public that Ukraine has been defending a front line thousands of kilometers long for nearly four years, calling on the population for unity and resilience.
