Key Takeaways
- Ukraine received a 28-point US peace plan requiring territorial concessions and military limits
- Zelenskyy will discuss the proposal with President Trump amid European concerns
- Kyiv faces battlefield pressure as Russian forces advance toward Pokrovsk
- Political turmoil in Ukraine complicates peace negotiations
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a comprehensive US peace proposal that demands significant concessions from Ukraine, potentially reshaping the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The 28-point framework, developed with Moscow’s input, requires Ukraine to surrender additional eastern territory and accept severe restrictions on its military capabilities.
Diplomatic Developments
Zelenskyy’s office confirmed receiving the draft this week, stating Kyiv is prepared to work “constructively, honestly and promptly” with Washington and European partners to assess if the plan can achieve a “just peace.” The Ukrainian leader is expected to speak with President Donald Trump in coming days, a critical discussion given Ukraine’s dependence on American support.
European leaders have expressed deep concern about the proposal’s one-sided nature. France emphasized that “peace cannot be a capitulation,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted Brussels hasn’t seen evidence of parallel concessions from Moscow.
Battlefield and Political Pressures
The peace initiative arrives during Ukraine’s most vulnerable period since the war began. Russian troops are advancing toward Pokrovsk, potentially capturing their first major city in nearly two years. Meanwhile, continued Russian bombardment of infrastructure has caused deadly strikes and widespread power outages as winter approaches.
Domestically, Zelenskyy faces political turbulence after a corruption scandal forced parliament to remove two cabinet ministers, sparking opposition demands for broader government changes.
US Diplomatic Push
A high-level US Army delegation led by Secretary Daniel Driscoll arrived early in Kyiv to accelerate coordination. US officials indicate Driscoll may engage directly with Russian counterparts as part of Washington’s renewed peace efforts.
While Zelenskyy told Driscoll that Ukraine would work with the Trump administration on the proposal, Ukrainian officials maintain that territorial concessions remain unacceptable to the public. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any durable peace will require “serious and realistic ideas” and difficult compromises from both sides.
