Ukraine has acknowledged receipt of a U.S.-backed draft peace plan that proposes significant concessions to Russia, sparking immediate, varied international reactions amidst ongoing conflict.
The proposal, widely reported by U.S. media outlets like the Financial Times and Axios, suggests Ukraine cede territory it still controls in the eastern Donbas region. It also calls for Ukraine to reduce its military to 600,000 personnel and commit to not joining NATO.
The White House confirmed it has engaged in discussions “with both sides equally” regarding the plan. A senior U.S. source indicated that Rustem Umerov, a high-ranking Ukrainian official, has agreed to “most” of the draft’s contents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his nation is “ready to work transparently” with the U.S. on the plan. Ukraine later issued a statement affirming its willingness to work on the draft as a basis for a “just end to the war.”
The controversial draft further suggests Russia’s full reintegration into the global economy, including the lifting of sanctions and its return to the G7 group, expanding it back to the G8. Many observers view these terms as largely favoring Russia.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly spent about a month developing the proposal with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives. Zelenskyy is expected to speak with former President Donald Trump in the coming days, following U.S. confirmation that the plan has presidential backing.
Despite U.S. efforts, the European Union has stated it was not aware of the draft’s development process. Meanwhile, Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the plan.
Peskov reiterated that any peace agreement must address “the root causes of the conflict,” a maximalist demand that Ukraine interprets as a call for its surrender.
The diplomatic push unfolds as violence persists on the ground. Late Thursday, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia, killing at least five people. Ukraine intercepted more than 33 Russian drones in several regions.
Earlier, an attack on Ternopil resulted in at least 26 deaths and 17 missing. These escalating casualties underscore the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Amid the peace talks, U.S. military leaders recently met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s desire for “a worthy peace” and respect for the dignity of its people.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the principle of national sovereignty, stating, “Ukraine’s future must be decided by Ukraine itself.” The U.S. State Department separately reaffirmed its commitment to the security of allies and the principle of opposing changes to the status quo by force.