Washington insists on a quick conclusion of a “peace agreement” with Russia, even despite conditions unacceptable to Kyiv, by the end of 2025. The 28-point US plan provides for the reduction of the Ukrainian army, the transfer of part of Donbas and the limitation of military aid. The EU distances itself from these proposals and emphasizes: no peace can be concluded without the consent of Ukraine and violate its sovereignty. Zelensky is holding coordination consultations with the leaders of France, Britain and Germany, seeking to take into account Ukraine’s principled positions. The discussion around the “peace plans” is becoming a key area of tension and diplomatic struggle between the allies.
New US “peace plan” provides for the reduction of the Ukrainian army and concessions to Russia
The Financial Times reported, that representatives of the US and Russia have developed a 28-point “peace plan”, which has already been handed over to Kyiv and which the Ukrainian side considers unacceptable.
The document stipulates that Ukraine must agree to significant concessions: handing over part of Donbas to Russia, reducing the Armed Forces of Ukraine by half, and giving up key types of weapons. The plan also provides for a reduction in US military aid. FT and Reuters sources call these demands “maximalist” as significantly biased in favor of Russia, and some sources directly call it “convenient for Putin”.
Current and former US and Russian officials participated in the development of the plan, and the document was handed over to Ukraine during a meeting between US special representative Steve Witkoff and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Rustem Umerov in Miami.
Kyiv confirmed receipt of the document and stated that it could not be accepted without significant revision. According to Ukrainian officials, the plan actually reproduces the Kremlin’s demands and attempts to fix the outcome of Russian aggression.
EU reacts to US ‘peace plan’, reaffirms continued support for Ukraine
European Council President Antonio Costa said, that the EU had not received any official information from the US regarding the war settlement plan. He stressed that the EU remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine and the principles of the UN Charter. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU has stood by Ukraine from the very beginning and continues to work with Kyiv on ways to a just peace. She noted that the 28-point plan would be discussed on the sidelines of the G20 summit and in further consultations with President Zelensky.
European Commissioner Kaia Kallas said, that the EU would only support a peace plan that provides for a sustainable and just peace and is agreed with Ukraine. She stressed that the principle of ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’ is unchanged for all members of the bloc.
European leaders also recalled the more than 180 billion euros in aid to Ukraine and 19 rounds of sanctions against Russia. The EU position remains unanimous: no peace can be concluded at the expense of Ukrainian territories or sovereignty.
The plan must take into account principled positions, - Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said about the coordination conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the American "peace plan".
He stressed that this document should ensure a real and dignified peace for Ukraine and all of Europe. Zelensky separately noted the efforts of the United States and President Trump personally to try to end the war, but stressed the need to agree on key principles. According to him, work on the document is ongoing, and Ukraine's position must be taken into account in full.
The president also said that the parties had agreed to closely coordinate further steps. He stressed the importance of coordinated work of teams at all levels to ensure that they influence the outcome of the negotiations. Zelensky thanked European leaders for their “principled support for Ukraine and all our people,” stressing the importance of joint decisions on the issue of peace. EU leaders, he said, remain united in supporting Ukrainian sovereignty and security.
Reuters: US puts pressure on Ukraine, threatening to cut intelligence and weapons to sign peace plan
Reuters reported, that the US has increased pressure on Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv agree to a framework peace agreement by next Thursday. According to sources, Washington has threatened to limit intelligence and arms supplies if Ukraine does not accept the proposed 28-point plan. One of the sources said that the US “wants to stop the war and wants Ukraine to pay the price.”
A delegation of senior US officials visited Kyiv and met with President Zelensky to discuss further actions. US officials said the talks were successful and that Washington expects rapid progress towards signing the document.
Trump administration expects a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia by the end of the year, - CNN
The administration of US President Donald Trump has stepped up its push for a renewed model for ending the war, modeled after the Gaza agreements.
According to CNN, the concept envisages the creation of a “Peace Council” under Trump’s leadership, which should monitor and guarantee the implementation of the agreements between Ukraine and Russia. US officials believe that the current period opens up a “new opportunity” for the resumption of dialogue, although Ukrainian and European partners were minimally involved in the early stages. Sources note that the current version of the plan is preliminary and does not reflect the final parameters of a possible agreement.
According to the publication’s interlocutors, Trump seeks to accelerate the process of ending the war and has repeatedly stated that the conflict is “easily resolved.” Washington suggests that a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow could be reached by the end of the year, which was confirmed by at least two sources.
The US is also considering bringing in international mediators – primarily Qatar and Turkey – who participated in the Gaza talks and could play a non-public role in the new process. The preliminary plan includes some points that Russia has been actively lobbying for and that Kyiv has previously rejected, but Washington insists the document is not yet final.
Author: Danylo Pievchev