Ukraine gave the Trump administration on Wednesday its point-by-point response to the latest draft of the U.S. peace plan, Ukrainian and U.S. officials tell Axios.
Why it matters: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces growing pressure from the U.S. to swiftly accept Trump's 20-point peace plan, which includes major territorial losses and other concessions.
- President Trump said he was waiting to see the Ukrainian response, adding: "Some people say it is closer than it has ever been."
Behind the scenes: Zelensky's national security adviser and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov sent the Ukrainian response to Jared Kushner, Trump's adviser and son-in-law, according to the officials.
- A Ukrainian official said the response includes comments and proposed amendments "to make the whole thing doable."
- The Ukrainians sent their response to the U.S. after several days of consultations with their European allies, mainly the E3 (France, Germany and the U.K.).
- The official said the Ukrainian response includes new ideas on how to solve sticking points like territory and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The latest: Trump held a call with the E3 leaders on Wednesday amid tensions between them over the peace plan. "We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words. We will see what happens," Trump said afterward.
- Trump said the Europeans proposed a meeting with him and Zelensky over the weekend somewhere in Europe. "We will see," he said. "We don't want to waste our time."
What's next: A Ukrainian official said senior military officials from the U.S. and Ukraine are expected to hold a virtual meeting on Thursday to continue discussing specific parts of the U.S. peace plan.
Go deeper: Trump talks with European leaders as tensions simmer over Ukraine peace deal
