Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he stands ready for “honest work” with the United States after receiving a draft peace plan aimed at ending the protracted war with Russia. Consequently, several US media outlets report the proposed settlement demands significant concessions from Kyiv, requiring Ukraine to relinquish control of remaining Donbas areas, significantly reduce its army size, and permanently abandon its ambition to join NATO.
This development immediately raised questions about Ukraine’s role in drafting the plan, even though White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the US had engaged “equally with both sides.” Zelensky later wrote on X that “The American side presented points of a plan to end the war, their vision. I outlined our key principles. We agreed that our teams will work on the points to ensure it’s all genuine.”
Key Provisions Spark Debate
Specifically, the leaked draft, published by the Financial Times and Axios, proposes limiting Ukraine’s military to 600,000 personnel. Moreover, the plan suggests reintegrating Russia into the global economy by lifting sanctions and inviting Moscow to rejoin the G7, effectively restoring the G8. Consequently, observers immediately noted that these demands appear heavily structured to favor Moscow’s long-standing interests.
Despite the seemingly one-sided terms, Leavitt dismissed claims that the plan demands major concessions from Ukraine, asserting that President Trump “supports” it. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio crafted the proposal, seeking a “lasting and durable peace,” which Leavitt characterized simply: “It’s a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky’s office confirmed Ukraine has “agreed to work on the plan’s provisions in a way that would bring about a just end to the war,” indicating a commitment to the process despite reservations. Echoing international consensus, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer firmly asserted that “The future of Ukraine must be determined by Ukraine and we must never lose sight of that principle.”
