Volodymyr Zelensky’s government has told European leaders it could agree to halt fighting and give up territory that is already held by Russia as part of a European-backed peace plan, it has emerged
Ukraine may be prepared to give up territory already seized by Russia in a surprise shift towards a European-backed peace deal, it has emerged.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is understood to have privately told European leaders that while any future peace must not involve further land concessions, Ukraine could consider freezing the frontline where it currently stands.
This would effectively mean allowing Russia to retain control of areas it occupies in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea. The development comes amid growing unease in Kyiv and European capitals over a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, due to take place in Alaska on Friday.
Western officials fear the two leaders could attempt to strike a deal over Ukraine’s head, leaving Zelensky sidelined.
The Telegraph reports that Zelensky has urged European leaders to reject any settlement proposed by Trump that includes Ukraine giving up additional land. However, the current European-backed plan represents a softer negotiating stance and is believed to reflect mounting pressure to find a diplomatic end to the grinding conflict.
One Western official, describing a flurry of weekend diplomacy, said the proposals must relate only to the territory currently held by each side’s forces.
The United States is said to have reassured European allies that they will be consulted ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, but concern remains.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk admitted he was filled with both fear and hope as the diplomatic manoeuvring intensified.
Russia, meanwhile, is continuing to push its own version of a peace deal, which would see Ukraine pull out of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk still under its control. European diplomats insist there has been no real change in Moscow’s long-term goals, which include replacing Ukraine’s Western-aligned government with a Kremlin-friendly regime.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia is still seeking Ukraine’s full capitulation, a permanent block on NATO membership, and a complete demilitarisation of the country.
Despite the talk of peace, Zelensky said on Monday night there were no signs Russia was serious about ending the war. Citing intelligence reports, he claimed Moscow was actively repositioning troops in preparation for new offensives.
While Ukraine may now be open to a limited territorial compromise, officials insist any settlement must include strong security guarantees, continued weapons deliveries, and a clear path to NATO membership.
The diplomatic pressure is mounting, but the fight for Ukraine’s future is far from over.
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