Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said the U.S.-backed plan is unacceptable and vowed not to betray Ukraine, framing the choice as dignity versus risking a key partner.
- The proposal, seen by multiple outlets, would recognize Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk as de facto Russian, bar NATO accession by Ukrainian constitutional change, and cap Ukraine’s forces at about 600,000.
- The White House called the plan good for both sides, while a U.S. official said it includes NATO‑equivalent security guarantees without Western troops in Ukraine, with European fighter cover based in Poland.
- Zelensky held an urgent call with leaders of France, Germany and the UK, who insisted any decision requires EU and NATO consensus and must preserve Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
- The Kremlin urged Kyiv to negotiate quickly, as Zelensky arranged a discussion with President Trump and spoke with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, with diplomacy continuing under European scrutiny.