US and Russian officials are reportedly working on a new plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, which includes controversial demands that could significantly impact Kyiv’s military and territorial integrity. According to recent reports, this draft proposal, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, would require Ukraine to surrender territory it currently controls and substantially reduce the size of its military—a notion likely to be perceived as tantamount to surrender by Ukrainian officials.
The proposal, which spans 28 points, is said to echo a previously developed plan aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. It outlines conditions that would drastically limit Ukraine’s military capabilities, restrict US military assistance, and impose limitations on the types of armaments that Ukraine would be allowed to use. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously dismissed such conditions as unacceptable.
Despite these proposals surfacing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for both sides to make difficult concessions in order to achieve lasting peace. He stated that Washington is committed to developing potential strategies for resolution based on feedback from both Moscow and Kyiv.
These diplomatic discussions coincided with a horrific escalation in hostilities, as Russia carried out a large-scale attack in Ternopil on Wednesday, targeting civilian structures and resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, including three children, with dozens more injured. Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos and tragedy that unfolded as the attacks occurred early in the morning, catching many residents off guard while they were still asleep.
In light of the escalating violence, President Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, hoping to rejuvenate negotiations and advocate for a “just peace” in Ukraine. He urged allied nations to enhance their pressure on Russia, calling for increased air defense capabilities to shield civilians from incoming attacks.
The situation remains complex, with direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine reportedly stalled since the summer. While Russia claims to be open to dialogue, substantial progress appears elusive amid its uncompromising demands. The broader geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with mounting pressure on Kyiv to navigate both battlefield challenges and internal political crises, particularly amid a significant corruption scandal in the energy sector.
Despite these difficulties, President Zelenskyy and his government are hoping that intensified international support could turn the tide in their favor, potentially paving the way for more favorable conditions in any future peace talks. As the conflict continues, the global community watches closely, raising hopes that a resolution may still be achievable amidst the turmoil.