Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intensified diplomatic efforts this week as he navigates mounting international pressure to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion. With discussions stretching from London to Brussels and culminating in a high-profile visit to Italy, Zelensky is preparing to send the United States a revised set of proposals outlining Kyiv’s stance on a potential settlement.
The diplomatic push comes amid escalating tension between Kyiv and Washington, as US President Donald Trump continues to press for quicker concessions from Ukraine. The pressure has created unease among European partners who fear any rushed deal could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden Russia.
On Monday, Zelensky held a series of meetings with European leaders in London and Brussels. The talks focused on tightening cooperation and reviewing the US administration’s initial 28-point plan for peace—proposals that many European capitals consider overly generous to Moscow. Trump has publicly criticized Zelensky, accusing him of not fully reading the original plan. Ukraine and its allies, however, argue that several of the proposals contradict international law and fail to provide the solid security guarantees Kyiv requires.
Zelensky Challenges US Pressure While Working With European Allies
After intense discussions over the weekend, Zelensky confirmed that the original 28 points presented by Washington had been narrowed down to 20. “Ukrainian and European officials are going to work on these 20 points,” he explained during an online press conference. “We do not like everything that our partners came back with. The issue is not so much with the Americans as with the Russians.”
He emphasized that Kyiv would finalize its response and deliver its revised position to Washington on Tuesday evening. The key unresolved issues, he said, involve territorial sovereignty and credible long-term security guarantees—areas in which Ukraine refuses to compromise.
One of the most controversial elements of the initial US plan involved Ukraine agreeing to surrender territories that Russia has not even captured. In return, Washington proposed security assurances that fall short of Kyiv’s long-standing ambition to join NATO.
Zelensky was unequivocal in rejecting any suggestion of territorial concessions. “Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don’t have any moral right either,” he said.
The president emphasized that Ukraine must receive clear commitments from its partners regarding responses to future Russian aggression. “The key is to know what our partners will be ready to do in the event of new aggression by Russia. At the moment, we have not received any answer to this question.”
On Tuesday, Zelensky travelled to Italy, where he held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Vatican has expressed interest in supporting diplomatic initiatives, though its previous attempts to mediate have yielded limited progress due to Moscow’s lack of engagement.
The Ukrainian president is also expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of Europe’s most vocal supporters of Kyiv. Italy has supplied Ukraine with weapons since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, though only for use within Ukrainian territory. Meloni has rejected proposals floated by Britain and France regarding an international monitoring force that could involve foreign troops.
Despite Meloni’s strong backing, the Italian government last week postponed a decision on renewing its military aid package, with the current authorization set to expire on December 31. The delay stems partly from internal disagreements, with Matteo Salvini’s League party questioning whether additional support is necessary given the ongoing peace discussions.
Meloni, however, remained firm. “As long as there’s a war, we’ll do what we can, as we’ve always done, to help Ukraine defend itself,” she said.
Before his stop in Italy, Zelensky met in London with the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, then travelled to Brussels to speak with top EU and NATO officials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine, stressing that “Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected” and that the country’s long-term security is essential to European stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this stance on X, writing that European countries are preparing “robust security guarantees and measures for Ukraine’s reconstruction.” Macron said the greatest challenge now is achieving “convergence” between the European-Ukrainian position and the United States.
Since returning to office in January, Trump’s stance on Ukraine has fluctuated. At times he has scolded Zelensky for what he perceives as insufficient appreciation for US aid, while at other moments he has expressed frustration with Russia’s refusal to negotiate. His administration recently imposed new sanctions on Russian oil firms, signaling displeasure with Moscow’s intransigence.
As Kyiv prepares its revised proposals, Zelensky continues to balance intense international pressure with Ukraine’s uncompromising commitment to territorial integrity and security—an effort that will shape the next phase of the war and the region’s geopolitical future.
