Zelensky rejected Trump's plan: Ukraine presented its own peace conditions to Washington.

According to ТСН: Ukraine seeks to take the lead in peace negotiations, ignoring the ultimatums of the U.S. presidential administration. Volodymyr Zelensky sent a counterproposal to the White House aimed at stopping demands for capitulation.

The details of the closed exchange of information between Kyiv and Washington were reported by The New York Times.

20 points against 28

Earlier, Trump proposed his 28-point plan, which, according to sources, 'looked very much like Russian theses.' It called for Ukraine to give up more territories than currently occupied by Russia and to officially renounce NATO.

Ukraine's response consists of 20 points and accompanying documents. According to European and American officials, Kyiv excluded from Trump's plan the points that crossed 'red lines':

1. Territories: Ukraine insists on maintaining control over the areas currently held by the Armed Forces, which Trump’s plan proposed to give away.

2. NATO: Kyiv refused the demand to renounce joining the Alliance, leaving the possibility of 'open doors.'

Guarantees through Congress

Zelensky emphasized that he does not need a 'second Budapest Memorandum.' The main condition is real security guarantees that would obligate the U.S. and Europe to protect Ukraine in the event of a new attack.

To ensure these guarantees are not revoked after a change of power in the U.S., Kyiv demands their ratification at the highest level.

'The security guarantee document that we are working on will eventually go to Congress. We need effective guarantees,' Zelensky told reporters.

The 'free zone' idea from the U.S.

The negotiations are difficult. According to NYT, the American side has begun to pressure Kyiv, proposing to create a 'free economic zone' in the part of Donbas controlled by Ukraine. The idea is that there will be neither Ukrainian nor Russian troops there.

Zelensky views this proposal skeptically, as it does not envisage the withdrawal of Russians from the entire territory of Donbas.

'When you talk to us about compromise, you must offer an honest compromise,' he commented on the Americans' proposal.

Trump is losing patience

The White House is signaling that time is running out. Trump's spokeswoman Caroline Levitt noted that the president is 'extremely frustrated with both sides of this war.'

'He does not want more talks. He wants action. He wants this war to end,' she conveyed Trump's mood.

Experts realize that Russia is unlikely to agree to the Ukrainian counterplan. However, Kyiv's step is important to demonstrate a constructive position and not let Trump blame Ukraine for disrupting the negotiations.

This weekend will see a 'decisive meeting' of Witkoff with Zelensky and European leaders. The U.S. believes this communication is crucial, as Washington wants to achieve peace as soon as possible.