Ukraine has delivered a newly updated proposal to Washington aimed at ending Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian officials confirmed to AFP, as US President Donald Trump publicly criticized European leaders—signaling an increasingly strained transatlantic relationship.
The initial US proposal, which included Ukraine surrendering territory that Russia has not even captured, was rejected by Kyiv and several European allies, who saw it as conceding too much to Moscow. The revised version, Ukrainian officials say, now better reflects Ukraine’s vision for a viable and fair path forward.
A Ukrainian official familiar with the updated plan described it as “a further proposal for adequate solutions to problematic issues,” adding that Kyiv will not reveal details until the United States responds.
Still, Trump—who has been pushing President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a US-backed settlement—voiced frustration with both Kyiv and Europe, particularly France, Britain, and Germany. His remarks follow days of rising tension after he described Europe as “decaying” and “weak” in its stance on immigration and the Ukraine war. A recent US national security strategy document even warned that Europe risked “civilisational erasure.”
“We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words,” Trump told reporters after a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
On Monday, key European allies stood firmly with Ukraine, expressing doubts about several elements of Washington’s latest proposal to resolve the war launched by Russia in February 2022.
Trump, however, suggested that Europe’s eagerness for more talks could be counterproductive, cautioning that they risk “wasting time.”
“They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe,” he said. “We’ll make a determination depending on what they come back with. We don’t want to be wasting time.”
Talks Falter, Tensions Rise
Recent discussions between US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow also failed to produce progress. The uncertainty comes at a difficult moment for Zelensky. His forces continue struggling in the eastern Donbas region, and several members of his inner circle are embroiled in a corruption scandal.
Zelensky, accused by Trump of not reading the US plan, emphasized that the proposal now consists of a 20-point framework and two supplementary documents—one detailing security guarantees and another addressing Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Earlier Wednesday, he held a virtual meeting with Jared Kushner, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to discuss rebuilding Ukraine.
“This could be considered the first meeting of the group that will work on a document concerning reconstruction and economic recovery,” Zelensky said.
Kyiv has also updated its analysis of the broader 20-point framework, reaffirming that long-term economic recovery is inseparable from lasting security.
Yet Trump hinted again that he may withdraw US support entirely, blaming the conflict on former President Joe Biden and repeating his claim that he could end the war “within 24 hours.”
“Sometimes you have to let people fight it out,” Trump said. “But the problem with letting people fight it out is you’re losing thousands of people a week. It’s ridiculous. The whole thing is ridiculous.”
