Peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are entering a decisive stage, yet the positions of Kyiv, Washington, and European capitals remain divergent. The initial version of the peace plan has been stripped of provisions unacceptable to Ukraine, though the issue of territory remains unresolved. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump insists on holding elections in Ukraine and shapes foreign policy through a narrow circle of advisers. Europe, for its part, calls for supplementing the American peace plan with its own contribution.Against this backdrop, Russia and its allies continue strengthening control over the occupied Ukrainian territories.
Zelensky: Clearly Non-Ukrainian Points Were Removed From the Peace Plan
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reportedthat the initial version of the peace plan, which consisted of 28 points, has been cleaned of provisions that contradicted Ukraine’s interests. According to him, after lengthy negotiations the document was reduced to 20 points, and “the clearly non-Ukrainian points have been removed.” Zelensky noted that the U.S. side is committed to seeking compromise and supports progress toward a jointly agreed position. He stressed that each new version of the document shows gradual progress toward a potential end to the war.
The president clarified that security advisers from leading European countries are currently working on the latest draft of the plan in London, particularly after meetings involving the Ukrainian delegation. According to Zelensky, the updated version is expected to be presented as early as tomorrow evening, after which it will be sent to the United States for coordination of next steps.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the territorial issue remains unresolved and that “no compromise has yet been found.” Zelensky underlined the importance of security guarantees, as Ukraine must have a clear answer on how international partners will act in the event of renewed Russian aggression after the war.
Trump: “It’s Time to Hold Elections in Ukraine”
U.S. President Donald Trump told Politico that Ukraine should hold presidential elections despite the ongoing war.
“I think the time has come. I think it’s an important time to hold elections. They haven’t had elections for a long time,” he said.
According to Trump, the Ukrainian government is “using the war to avoid holding elections,” though he admitted that “possibly, Zelensky would win.” He also reiterated his view that Ukraine is allegedly weakened in its confrontation with Russia, claiming that “Russia has the advantage.” In the interview, Trump suggested that personal animosity complicates the conflict, asserting that Putin and Zelensky “hate each other very much.”
He also criticized European leaders, accusing them of weakness and excessive political correctness regarding the war. At the same time, the U.S. president rejected statements by his son about a possible U.S. “withdrawal” from supporting Ukraine—though he did not fully refute them either.
Trump’s stance has generated mixed reactions internationally, as it influences perceptions of the stability of American support for Kyiv.
Politico: Trump Relies on a Tight Circle of Advisers, Shaping U.S. Foreign Policy
As reported by Politico, U.S. President Donald Trump effectively makes key foreign policy decisions based on the advice of a small circle of personally trusted individuals. This “inner circle” includes business partner Stephen Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chief of Staff Brian Wiles.
Sources say these individuals shape U.S. approaches to the war in Ukraine, Middle East negotiations, and even potential military scenarios concerning Venezuela. As a result, the U.S. National Security Council has practically stopped functioning—its staff have been dismissed, and the decision-making process has become unpredictable.
European diplomats report that they no longer have stable communication channels with the White House, and meetings with the U.S. president occur spontaneously. They complain about being “constantly caught off guard,” since it is impossible to forecast Washington’s position without access to this narrow advisory circle.
Politico’s sources note that Trump seeks deals that bring him personal political benefit, while issues without clear gains do not interest him. Experts warn that this “many cooks negotiating independently” model poses serious risks of the U.S. lacking a coherent foreign policy strategy.
Macron: “Europe Must Strengthen the American Peace Plan With Its Own Contribution”
French President Emmanuel Macron has said, that Europe must align its positions with the U.S. and Ukraine to create the best conditions for ending the war.
He emphasized the importance of coordination among all key partners. Macron noted that Europeans possess substantial resources—from financing to training Ukrainian troops and supplying arms. According to him, the Russian economy is increasingly suffering from sanctions, creating a window of opportunity to intensify pressure on Moscow.
The French leader said that Europe must now complement the American peace plan with a “European contribution” in close cooperation with Kyiv to ensure the most favorable conditions for Ukraine. The main task, he stressed, is to bring closer the positions of the U.S., Ukraine, and European states and finalize negotiations on an agreed framework for a future security system.
Macron underlined that the new agreement must guarantee security not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole, since regional stability is a shared concern. Such an approach, he argued, will create a foundation for long-term peace and collective security.
Occupying Authorities Seek to Transfer Part of Kherson’s Coastline to Belarus
The occupation administration in Kherson region is considering transferring parts of the Azov–Black Sea coastline to Belarus under the pretext of developing resort infrastructure.
As Ukraine’s Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna reported this concerns areas between Henichesk and the Arabat Spit, proposed not for tourism but for long-term use. Analysts say these initiatives are presented as “economic projects,” while the real aim is to expand the presence of Russia’s ally on occupied Ukrainian territory. Such cooperation would facilitate Belarusian access to the region and legitimize their presence under a Russia-controlled narrative.
Experts note that these areas could serve as logistics hubs, bases for security forces, or dual-use infrastructure. Such facilities allow Moscow to entrench itself on Ukrainian land while portraying the actions as peaceful investments. Transferring the coastline for “resorts” effectively becomes a way to place military or semi-military assets in a strategically important area.
This practice deepens Belarusian–Russian integration in occupation schemes and demonstrates attempts to legitimize control over Ukrainian territory.
Photo: Politico
Author: Danylo Pievchev