The Ukraine has delivered its response to the latest peace proposal drawn up by the US and is aimed at resolving the war with Russia, according to officials from Washington and Kiev.

The proposal, which includes the creation of a demilitarized zone along the line of contact, asks Russia and Ukraine to agree to security guarantees for Ukraine under NATO’s Article 5 and suggests that Ukraine should join the European Union by 2027. The proposal also calls for elections to be held in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Zelensky saying he is open to holding elections within 60-90 days if security is ensured.

The proposal is part of efforts to end the conflict, with US President Donald Trump saying a resolution to the war may be closer than ever.

Accelerated diplomacy and a proposal for a meeting

Efforts to end the war have intensified in recent months. Donald Trump said Wednesday that a solution could soon be “found,” noting that “many say it’s closer than ever.” Trump said he had spoken with his British, French and German counterparts and that he had been suggested to travel to Europe for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, next weekend.

The US president stressed that the final decision will depend on the response of European leaders, adding that “we don’t want to waste time”. European diplomats described the talks as “advanced” and “rapid” amid continued pressure from President Trump for a quick resolution of the conflict.

The US peace plan and Kiev’s reactions

The US proposal, made public less than a month ago, includes a 28-point plan for a ceasefire and restoration of peace, which was backed by Russia. After a series of meetings and consultations with Kiev and Moscow, the plan was revised and shrunk to 20 points to make it more acceptable to both sides.

According to two European diplomats familiar with the contents of the proposal, the draft proposes the creation of a demilitarized zone along the line of contact and asks Russia and Ukraine to agree on security guarantees for Ukraine under NATO’s Article 5. The plan also envisages Ukraine’s accession to the European Union by 2027.

Elections in Ukraine and the future of the country

The US side’s proposal also does not mention Ukraine’s NATO membership, but calls for elections in Ukraine, which has been proposed by both Trump and the Kremlin. Zelensky said he is open to holding elections within the next 60 to 90 days, provided that the security of the process is ensured.

Discussions on the U.S. proposal are continuing, with Kiev considering whether and what changes it has made to the plan in its latest response. The outcome of the negotiations remains unclear, with Ukraine warning that the final deal must safeguard its national interests and independence.