European Leaders Reinforce Support for Zelenskiy as Peace Plan Talks Intensify

European leaders reaffirmed their backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday amid ongoing efforts to revise a controversial U.S.-proposed peace plan that Kyiv says initially favored Russia. Zelenskiy met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where the two held a joint call with leaders from the U.K., Germany, Italy, Poland, and the European Union to coordinate support.

Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine’s core priorities remain safeguarding sovereignty, securing strong defense guarantees, and resolving territorial issues—still the most difficult aspect of negotiations. He urged Western allies to ensure Russia is not rewarded for its invasion and expressed hope to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump following envoy Steve Witkoff’s trip to Moscow this week. Macron reiterated that only Ukraine can decide the fate of its territories in any peace agreement.

The U.S.-Ukrainian negotiating teams have not yet finalized revisions to Washington’s initial 28-point plan, which reportedly asked Ukraine to surrender more territory than Russia currently occupies, reduce its military size, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and bar Western troops—terms Kyiv rejects as unacceptable and dangerous. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted progress but admitted several “tough issues” remain unresolved.

Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue discussions, a move underscoring Washington’s push for a diplomatic breakthrough. The negotiations come at a challenging time for Kyiv, which is struggling on the eastern front and confronting a major corruption scandal that led to the resignation of Zelenskiy’s chief of staff and the dismissal of two cabinet ministers.

Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive, claiming new territorial gains in Donetsk and launching intensified missile strikes across Ukraine. Deadly attacks in Dnipro and ongoing bombardment of energy infrastructure highlight Moscow’s hardline stance as winter approaches. Ukraine has responded with long-range strikes on Russian oil facilities, escalating pressure as diplomatic talks continue.