Zelensky says Ukraine peace deal proposals could be finalised within days

President Volodymyr Zelensky said draft peace proposals discussed in Berlin could be finalised within days and would be presented to the Kremlin; major questions remain over the status of territory in Donbas and Crimea.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said late on Monday that draft peace proposals discussed with US officials in Berlin could be finalised within days and would then be presented to the Kremlin. He described the draft as workable and said further meetings in the US could follow next weekend. Zelensky warned that key questions are still unresolved, especially the status of territory seized during the invasion. He also noted a US-proposed free economic zone for parts of Donbas and stressed that Kyiv does not consider that to mean Russian control. Key points: - Zelensky said the draft peace plan discussed in Berlin could be finalised in the coming days and would be sent to the Kremlin. - The US said there is reported consensus among Ukraine and Europe on about 90% of the plan, and the article mentions a comment from former US president Donald Trump saying he believes talks are closer than before. - Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will not recognise Russian control over any part of Donbas, and that the status of Donbas and Crimea remains a central unresolved issue. - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia wants a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary truce, and indicated Moscow has not yet committed to the Berlin proposals. - Zelensky said Ukraine and the US are preparing up to five documents related to the peace framework, several focused on security. - UK defence secretary John Healey described the talks as a major moment, announced increased readiness measures, and the UK is investing £600 million in air defence and related support for Ukraine. Summary: If finalised, the draft proposals would be presented to the Kremlin before possible further meetings in the United States next weekend. Undetermined at this time whether Moscow will accept the proposals. Western officials say much of the plan has agreement among Ukraine, the US and Europe, and allied preparations include additional security documents and readiness measures.