Brussels, : Momentum toward a potential diplomatic breakthrough emerged on Thursday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a revised peace proposal to U.S. and European leaders during urgent negotiations in Brussels. The updated plan introduces limited concessions on contested territories in Donbas while demanding binding security guarantees to prevent any future Russian invasions.
The proposal received strong backing from key NATO members, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who view the document as the most viable framework yet to end the 34-month-long war, which has taken more than 500,000 lives and displaced millions across Europe.
Trump Signals Interest in Mediation
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has tied his involvement to “meaningful progress,” reportedly welcomed the revisions during a phone call with Zelenskyy. He hinted at potential U.S. mediation—provided Europe commits to expanded financial and military support for Kyiv.
Officials say the shift reflects Trump’s intention to resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly, enabling the U.S. to prioritize domestic economic and immigration challenges once he assumes office.
Battlefield Realities Intensify Urgency
The diplomatic push comes as Russia continues to make tactical gains. Moscow’s forces recently captured Pokrovsk after months of brutal fighting, while a missile strike on Dnipro on December 8 killed at least 40 civilians.
Zelenskyy’s proposal insists on the prosecution of Russian war crimes through the International Criminal Court, a provision Moscow has rejected. Still, sources suggest backchannel discussions via Turkey could resume next week despite official rhetoric.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the proposal as “unrealistic,” accusing the West of pursuing “illusory victory conditions.” Analysts, however, say Moscow’s economic strains and military fatigue may be quietly reshaping its negotiation posture.
Massive Global Economic Stakes
The war has already inflicted over $1 trillion in global economic damage, with disrupted grain shipments and volatile energy markets affecting countries far beyond Europe. Zelenskyy’s team, led by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, insists any settlement must include reparations funded through $300 billion in frozen Russian assets.
Cautious Optimism in Brussels
Diplomats say the revised peace proposal represents the most significant step forward in months. While deep disagreements remain, the involvement of NATO allies and the possibility of U.S. mediation under Trump offer a rare moment of cautious hope.
For now, the world watches closely as negotiations enter a more fragile but potentially transformative phase.
