Post by : Rameen Ariff

Ukraine is preparing to submit a revised peace proposal to the White House as President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to firmly reject any territorial concessions to Russia. Kyiv aims to offer alternatives that would preserve its sovereignty while avoiding compromises that could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.

During a meeting with European and NATO leaders, Zelensky reiterated that he has "no right" under Ukrainian or international law to surrender any part of the nation’s territory. The Ukrainian president’s comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to persuade the United States to reconsider aspects of a peace plan that has been criticized by Kyiv and European allies for favoring Moscow.

Meanwhile, northern Ukraine’s city of Sumy experienced a blackout overnight following a Russian drone attack targeting local power infrastructure. Officials reported that more than a dozen drones struck the region, marking the latest in a series of nightly Russian assaults. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Zelensky’s diplomatic tour follows intensive talks over the weekend between US and Ukrainian negotiators, which did not yield a mutually acceptable agreement. His chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, briefed the president on direct discussions with US officials and provided updates on interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kyiv is considering sending the revised proposal to Washington as early as Tuesday, focusing on security guarantees while maintaining control over key territories. Zelensky has emphasized that any decision regarding Ukrainian borders would require a public referendum, underscoring his commitment to national sovereignty.

The original US-backed 28-point plan, now reduced to 20 points, included provisions widely seen as favoring Russia. Zelensky confirmed that no pro-Ukrainian measures had been removed, and the country remains steadfast in refusing to cede any land. Sensitive issues, such as control over the eastern Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, remain central to negotiations. The initial plan proposed shared control of Zaporizhzhia’s energy output and full Russian control of Donbas—terms Kyiv and its allies consider unacceptable after nearly four years of conflict.

European leaders have expressed cautious support for Ukraine’s position, while also urging progress toward a negotiated peace. A hastily convened summit at Downing Street, attended by Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlighted international backing for Ukraine and reaffirmed the call for "just and lasting peace" with strong security guarantees.

Debate continues over the nature of potential security guarantees. The UK and France have proposed international troop deployments, though several European powers, including Germany and Italy, remain skeptical. The role of the United States in any future defence arrangements for Ukraine is also uncertain.

After London, Zelensky traveled to Brussels to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni on Tuesday. Moscow claims talks with the White House have been constructive, although there is no public indication that Russia has agreed to alter its key objectives since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that Zelensky is the main obstacle to securing a peace deal and suggested that the Ukrainian leader has yet to fully engage with the US-proposed plan. Trump added that Russia was "fine" with the framework outlined to both sides, but expressed disappointment that Zelensky had not yet reviewed it.

Zelensky, meanwhile, emphasized that certain issues can only be addressed through direct, in-person discussions, signaling that negotiations remain ongoing and complex. As the diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine remains committed to defending its sovereignty and preventing any loss of territory while seeking international support for a secure and lasting peace.

#Global News