Zelenskyy Seeks Stronger European Backing as U.S. Pushes Controversial Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, aiming to solidify European support as Washington advances a new proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war — a plan many European allies fear could pressure Kyiv into territorial concessions.

The diplomatic activity comes as Russia made its largest advance in Ukraine in a year, capturing 701 sq km in November, according to an AFP analysis of ISW data. Russia now holds 19.3% of Ukrainian territory.

---

U.S. Pushes Peace Plan; Europe Concerned

A 28-point U.S. ceasefire proposal, originally drafted without European input, drew criticism for mirroring Moscow’s demands. The initial version suggested:

• Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk it still controls

• De facto U.S. recognition of Russian control over Donetsk, Lugansk, and Crimea

Revised terms remain unclear after updated discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said there is a “good chance we can make a deal” after “productive” talks in Florida between U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff and Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov.

Witkoff is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.

European leaders are alarmed:

• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Ukraine might be forced to “surrender”.

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected any “dictated peace”.

• Former Ukrainian commander Valery Zaluzhny cautioned that a “rushed peace” could lead to a “devastating defeat”.

A corruption scandal in Kyiv — involving the dismissal of Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak — adds further pressure.

---

War Intensifies on Ground

Russia’s renewed push includes:

• A missile strike on Dnipro killing four and injuring nearly two dozen.

• Major advances across eastern Ukraine, the largest since November 2024.

More than tens of thousands have died, and millions remain displaced as the war enters its fourth year.