A US-proposed Ukraine peace plan, reportedly developed with Moscow, requires significant concessions from Kiev, leading to accusations that the proposal amounts to a loss of sovereignty for Ukraine. Sources have informed Axios and the Financial Times that the 28-point framework agreement, delivered by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, would demand that Ukraine relinquish territorial control in the Donbass region, reduce its armed forces by half, and recognize Russian as an official state language. The plan also calls for a rollback of US military assistance and the removal of key weaponry, alongside the reinstatement of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s official status, a move that has drawn controversy due to its association with Russia.
The proposal has sparked immediate criticism from Ukraine and Western allies, with many viewing it as an attempt to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. The White House reportedly aims to finalize the agreement by the end of this month, with some officials suggesting it could be reached as soon as this week. Meanwhile, Russian officials have not confirmed the plan, with Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov stating that there is “nothing new” in the ongoing discussions beyond prior agreements between Russia and the US. Nevertheless, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitri, as reported by Axios, has asserted that the proposals reflect a significant recognition of Russia’s position, indicating that the terms may represent a shift in the peace talks.
Ukraine’s government has faced mounting pressure to adhere to the proposal, particularly with the ongoing conflict and the potential for further escalation. The demand for Ukraine to maintain neutrality, avoid NATO, and accept the current territorial reality is seen as a red line by many in the West, who argue that such conditions would severely compromise the nation’s sovereignty and security. With the situation remaining fraught and the stakes rising for all parties involved, the proposed plan remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate among international observers and policymakers alike.