Ukraine is entering a pivotal week as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to send a revised 20-point peace proposal to Washington, following high-level talks in London with the leaders of the UK, France and Germany. Reuters reports that the updated document aims to address US concerns while preserving Kyiv’s red lines, ahead of potential meetings between Zelenskyy and American officials in the coming days.
The European leaders reaffirmed what Downing Street described as “unwavering support” for Ukraine, stressing that any negotiations must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and security needs. The Guardian and Politico note deep European unease about earlier versions of a US draft that were seen as overly accommodating to Moscow, especially on territorial arrangements and long-term security guarantees.
The diplomatic push comes as Russia intensifies its military campaign. Reuters and Al Jazeera report that Russian forces claim advances across several sectors of the eastern front, focusing on the strategic city of Myrnohrad. Kyiv disputes Russian assertions of control, saying Ukrainian units continue to hold positions and impose significant losses.
Russian missile and drone strikes also hit critical infrastructure over the weekend. Ukrainian rail authorities confirmed that the major transport hub of Fastiv, near Kyiv, sustained heavy damage in a coordinated attack that disrupted services and destroyed freight facilities. The Print and Reuters report that energy installations across central and eastern regions were also targeted, underscoring how the conflict’s battlefield and infrastructure fronts remain tightly linked.
In response, Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Russian-occupied areas in Zaporizhzhia, leaving thousands without electricity according to Moscow-installed administrators. Civilian infrastructure on both sides continues to absorb the cost of a war now approaching its fourth year.
What is in Ukraine’s revised proposal
Zelenskyy has described the new plan as a balanced outline focused on security guarantees, prisoner exchanges, and conditions for a sustainable ceasefire. Politico reports that Kyiv removed or softened elements from previous drafts that American officials considered unrealistic, while refusing any formulation that implies territorial concessions. European diplomats told the FT that the revised package is more coherent but still faces major hurdles, especially over borders and verification mechanisms.
Who is shaping the talks
The London meeting brought together Rishi Sunak, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, who sought to align positions with Kyiv before Washington engages Moscow. The FT says US officials remain in parallel contact with Russian counterparts, though no breakthrough has been signalled. Russia’s foreign ministry has avoided commenting on specific proposals but continues to insist that any settlement must reflect what it calls “new realities” on the ground.
For Ukraine, the diplomatic track remains tightly bound to military resilience. With Russian assaults increasing and the Kremlin striking energy infrastructure at the start of winter, officials in Kyiv warn that sustained Western support will be critical for both battlefield defence and negotiation strength.
Sources: Reuters, AP, Politico, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, FT