Ukraine has submitted a fresh set of proposals to the United States aimed at bringing an end to its long-running war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address on Tuesday night.
“We have conveyed our proposals to the American side,” Zelenskyy said, without revealing the details of the plan.
According to Al Jazeera, Zelenskyy said Washington could increase pressure on Moscow while also helping Ukraine strengthen its military capabilities, particularly its air-defense systems. He argued that stronger Ukrainian defenses could make it more difficult for Russia to prolong the war and encourage Moscow to move toward ending the conflict.
US diplomacy may resume
There are growing indications that US negotiators could soon visit both Ukraine and Russia. However, diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s invasion have remained largely stalled for some time.
Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several rounds of negotiations have taken place. The diplomatic process became even more complicated amid the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner last visited Moscow in January, but they have yet to make a similar trip to Kyiv.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for a ceasefire after years of fighting. Russia has also expressed support for a negotiated settlement, but Moscow has attached major conditions to any agreement.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine give up four territories claimed by Moscow and that what it describes as the “root causes” of the conflict be addressed.
Zelenskyy warns of possible Russian mobilisation
In his address, Zelenskyy also accused Moscow of preparing for another major military recruitment drive around Russia’s upcoming parliamentary election.
He claimed that, following what he described as a “farce” surrounding the election, Russian President Vladimir Putin could seek to recruit several hundred thousand additional troops by the end of the year. Zelenskyy further alleged that a similar number could be recruited next year.
According to the Ukrainian president, Moscow could use the mobilisation to create the impression that Russian society continues to support the war.
Russian officials, however, have previously denied that another large-scale mobilisation is necessary.
Russia releases former US Marine
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Russia had released former US Marine Robert Gilman after nearly four years in detention.
Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to release the 32-year-old on humanitarian grounds. According to Trump, Washington did not release a Russian prisoner in exchange.
Gilman was expected to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington on Tuesday night. US officials said doctors would assess his condition during the flight before he is transferred to a rehabilitation facility in San Antonio, Texas.
Gilman was detained in Russia in January 2022 following an alleged confrontation with a police officer. The US government later classified him as wrongfully detained.
The release could provide a rare positive development in US-Russia relations at a time when diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine war remain highly uncertain.
