Kremlin Signals Tentative Openness to U.S.-Backed Ukraine Peace Plan — But Major Hurdles Remain

Moscow has offered a cautiously optimistic response to a recently leaked 28-point U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine — signaling that while some provisions are acceptable, key issues remain unaddressed.

According to Kremlin foreign-policy aide Yuri Ushakov, “many provisions” of the plan appear acceptable, but others will require “the most detailed discussions.” He emphasized that certain parts of a competing European proposal are “completely unconstructive” from Moscow’s perspective.

What’s in the U.S. Plan — and Why Russia Is Listening

Here are some of the key elements of the U.S.-drafted peace framework:

• Territory: The plan calls for formal recognition — at least de facto — of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian-controlled, while freezing current front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
• Military: Ukraine would limit its armed forces to 600,000 personnel.
• NATO: Kyiv would enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO; NATO, in turn, would agree not to admit Ukraine in the future.
• Security Guarantees: Rather than NATO forces on Ukrainian soil, security guarantees would come from a group of European and possibly non-European states.
• Frozen Assets: About US$100 billion of frozen Russian assets would be committed toward Ukraine’s reconstruction.
• Reintegration of Russia: The proposal includes steps to reintegrate Russia into major economic forums, including an invitation to rejoin what was formerly the G8.

Why Moscow Is Both Cautious and Encouraged

Ushakov’s remarks suggest that Russia sees potential in the U.S. plan — particularly in its recognition of Russian gains and in limiting NATO’s role in Ukraine. But he’s also signaling that the Kremlin will not simply rubber-stamp the proposal: “detailed discussions” are needed, especially on parts that Moscow views as non-negotiable.

At the same time, Moscow has made clear it rejects a European counterproposal. According to Ushakov, the European version “does not work for us” and fails to reflect Russia’s core demands.

The Ukrainian Response and Broader Risk

Kyiv, for its part, has expressed wariness. Reports say that President Zelenskyy will enter negotiations with Donald Trump over the plan. Other Ukrainian officials have condemned parts of the proposal as “absurd” and unacceptable.

Critics argue the plan tilts too heavily toward Moscow, potentially undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and accountability for wartime atrocities.Some analysts warn it could formalize territorial concessions and sideline justice for war crimes.

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