Key Highlights
- Zelensky will speak with Trump following US proposal for peace plan.
- The draft plan reportedly includes Kyiv’s potential to give up Donbas areas and cut its army size significantly.
- Kyiv expressed lukewarm support, fearing the demands favor Moscow’s interests.
- Trump’s team has been working on a detailed and acceptable peace plan in response to Russia’s refusal.
The US Proposes a Draft Peace Plan for Ukraine-Russia Conflict
In a move aimed at reinvigorating diplomatic efforts, the United States has presented a draft peace plan to Ukraine. The proposal, developed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev without Ukrainian involvement, has put Kyiv on alert over its potential implications.
Content of the Draft Plan
The plan reportedly includes several contentious proposals. According to sources quoted by Axios, Financial Times, and Reuters, Ukraine may be asked to relinquish control over areas in the Donbas region that it still holds, significantly reduce the size of its military, and forgo a substantial portion of its weaponry. These demands could heavily favor Moscow’s interests, leading Kyiv to express a tepid reaction.
Ukrainian Reactions
In response to this draft plan, Zelensky’s office stated that the US believed it could “help reinvigorate diplomacy.” However, Ukraine has agreed to work on the provisions in a way that would bring about a just end to the war. Kyiv supports all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer but remains cautious.
The Ukrainian parliament member Lisa Yasko highlighted the lack of consultation with Kyiv and Brussels, stating, “It looks like someone wants to decide things for us, and that’s very painful for most of us Ukrainians.” This sentiment reflects the broader concerns among Ukrainian officials about being sidelined in critical negotiations.
US President Trump’s Frustration
President Trump has reportedly grown frustrated with both Russia and Ukraine for their reluctance to commit to a peace agreement. His administration has been working on a “detailed and acceptable” plan, but the reaction from Kyiv suggests that progress may be slow.
Russian Downplaying of Significance
The Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the draft plan, stating, “There had been contacts with the US, but there was no process that could be called ‘consultations’.” This response underscores Russia’s continued unwillingness to engage in substantive discussions.
Background and Context
Since taking office earlier this year, Trump has launched various initiatives aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. These include a bilateral summit with Putin, several visits by his envoy Witkoff, and ongoing talks with Zelensky and Western leaders. However, as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary, both sides remain deeply divided over how to end the conflict.
While Ukraine has become adept at targeting Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities using long-range drones, Moscow continues to attack Ukrainian targets without letup. This backdrop of ongoing violence adds urgency to any proposed peace plan but also highlights the complex challenges in achieving lasting reconciliation.
Conclusion
The US draft peace plan represents a significant attempt by Washington to facilitate an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, Kyiv’s lukewarm response and Russia’s dismissive stance suggest that any breakthrough will be difficult to achieve without more inclusive and transparent negotiations involving all relevant parties.
