Draft US Peace Proposal Suggests Major Concessions by Ukraine
A recently revealed draft of a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine outlines substantial concessions from Kyiv, according to documents reviewed by international news agencies. The plan, which remains a working document, includes provisions for Ukraine to relinquish control over significant territories, including the industrial region of Donbass and the Crimean Peninsula, effectively recognizing these areas as under Russian jurisdiction.
Key elements of the draft indicate that the United States, in its effort to broker a resolution to the conflict, proposes a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of the Donetsk region currently held by Ukraine. This area would be converted into a demilitarized buffer zone managed by Russian authorities. Additionally, the southern Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be divided along the existing front lines, reflecting the realities on the ground after years of hostilities.
Under the proposed framework, the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces would be capped at 600,000 personnel. The plan also addresses Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, suggesting that Kyiv would formally abandon its pursuit of joining the alliance. This commitment would be enshrined in Ukraine's constitution, and NATO, in turn, would agree to exclude Ukraine from any future membership, aligning with long-standing Russian security demands. The draft further stipulates that no NATO troops would be stationed within Ukraine, although it proposes the deployment of European combat aircraft in NATO-member Poland as a security measure.
The document also includes stipulations regarding Ukraine's internal political process. It calls for national elections to be held within a 100-day period, reflecting Russia's insistence on political renewal in Ukraine. The proposal has drawn attention to parallels with previous international peace initiatives, where external oversight and monitoring have played a central role. In this instance, a 'peace council,' chaired by the current US president, is suggested as the supervisory body for enforcing any potential ceasefire.
Further provisions of the draft address Russia's position in the international community. The proposal outlines a pathway for Russia's reintegration into global economic structures and its readmission to the G8 group of major economies, from which it was excluded following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. However, these benefits would be contingent on Russia refraining from further military aggression; renewed sanctions would be imposed in the event of any subsequent invasion.
While US officials have characterized the plan as fair to both parties, Ukrainian leaders have expressed reservations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated the necessity for any agreement to uphold the nation's independence and sovereignty. Ukrainian sources suggest that the current terms closely mirror Russian demands and exceed the limits previously outlined by the Ukrainian government, particularly regarding territorial concessions and security guarantees.
The proposal comes as the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, with significant portions of Ukrainian territory under Russian occupation and extensive destruction reported across affected regions. The draft reflects ongoing efforts by international actors to mediate an end to the conflict, though substantial differences remain between the negotiating parties regarding acceptable outcomes and guarantees.
As discussions continue, the Ukrainian administration has acknowledged receipt of the proposed plan and indicated that further consultations with the United States are forthcoming. The broader international response remains cautious, as the implications of the draft agreement would have lasting impacts on the security architecture of Eastern Europe and the future of Ukrainian sovereignty.