Zelensky Rejects Revised U.S. Plan That Still Demands Ukraine Leave Donbas

Kyiv calls the proposal a “non‑starter” and sends a counter‑offer

President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Wednesday that the latest U.S. draft of a security‑assistance package is unacceptable because it continues to require Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region, a territory Kyiv still considers an integral part of the state.

During a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said the demand “ignores the reality on the ground” and “undermines the very purpose of the support we are seeking.” He emphasized that any agreement that forces Ukraine to relinquish its claims to Donbas would be a “non‑starter” for the Ukrainian government.

Europe backs Kyiv’s stance

Following Zelensky’s remarks, officials from the European Union released a joint statement supporting Ukraine’s position. The EU delegation said it would work with Washington to revise the plan so that it does not tie military aid to territorial concessions.

European diplomats also highlighted that the conflict’s “political solution must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and they urged the United States to consider a more flexible approach.

Ukraine and Europe submit a counter‑proposal

In response to the U.S. draft, Kyiv and a coalition of European partners forwarded a counter‑proposal that removes any reference to a Donbas withdrawal. The document outlines a framework for continued military assistance, reconstruction aid, and a roadmap for future negotiations that focus on a durable cease‑fire and eventual peace talks.

The counter‑proposal stresses that Ukraine will only consider territorial adjustments as part of a comprehensive settlement negotiated directly with Russia, not as a precondition for receiving aid.

U.S. reaction and next steps

White House officials have not yet commented on the specifics of the Ukrainian‑European counter‑proposal. However, a senior administration official indicated that Washington remains “committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense needs” while “exploring all diplomatic avenues.”

The situation is expected to evolve over the coming days as senior officials from the United States, the European Union, and Ukraine meet to discuss the way forward.