Kremlin stays silent on leaked peace plan but urges Kyiv to accept

A potential peace plan for the war in Ukraine has become the centre of intense speculation, even as the Kremlin refuses to officially acknowledge its contents. The proposal, reportedly drafted during discussions between American officials and Russian envoys, has been widely leaked and interpreted as heavily favouring Moscow’s demands.

The same day a United States Pentagon delegation met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the draft, President Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian state television in military uniform. Addressing his generals, he insisted that Russia would continue fighting until all its objectives were met, calling the “unconditional achievement” of its goals the top priority.

The Russian newspaper Izvestia described Putin’s frontline style visit to a command post as a message to Washington that he is willing to negotiate, but only on terms acceptable to Moscow.

Although the Kremlin claims it has received no formal document from the United States, a twenty eight point outline of the proposal has circulated widely. According to multiple reports, it would require Ukraine to surrender the remaining parts of Donbass under its control, significantly cut the size of its armed forces, and pledge never to join Nato. These demands mirror positions Russia has pushed since its full scale invasion began.

Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov avoided confirming any details but argued that Ukraine should take the deal. He said the effectiveness of the Russian military should convince Kyiv that now is the time to negotiate.

Still, a peace proposal does not guarantee peace. Pro Kremlin commentators insist Russia will succeed regardless of whether an agreement is reached. One outlet, Moskovsky Komsomolets, compared the sudden reappearance of a peace plan to a missile being launched unexpectedly and suggested that even if the attempt fails, momentum remains in Moscow’s favour.

Yet Russia faces its own pressures. After nearly four years of war, the country has suffered heavy battlefield losses. Meanwhile, the domestic economy is struggling. Oil and gas revenues are falling, government spending is rising, and Russian industry is described by analysts as stuck between stagnation and decline. Despite these challenges, it is uncertain whether economic strain will alter Putin’s thinking or push him toward compromise.

Not everyone in Russia is comfortable with elements of the reported proposal. Some leaks suggest Ukraine might receive security guarantees resembling Nato’s Article Five, which obliges allies to respond collectively to any attack on a member. Russian commentators warn this would effectively place Ukraine under Nato’s protection even without hosting bases or weapons.

As the full details remain unconfirmed, both sides appear to be preparing for another round of intense diplomacy. Whether negotiations will gain traction, or whether fighting will continue, remains uncertain.