KYIV — The White House is reportedly urging Ukraine to accept a new peace proposal by Thanksgiving, as U.S. support in the ongoing war with Russia hangs in the balance. U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll presented a 28-point plan, crafted by former President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in collaboration with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. This plan has made headlines after being leaked and confirmed by various officials, outlining significant concessions from Ukraine, including a drastic reduction in its military and territorial cessions to Russia.
During an address to the nation on Friday, Zelensky described the current situation as “one of the most difficult moments in our history.” He emphasized the difficult choice facing Ukraine: either preserve its dignity or risk losing vital support from its key ally, the United States. Despite recent presidential cuts to direct aid, the U.S. has been instrumental in facilitating weapons transfers to Ukraine through European nations and continues to provide critical intelligence.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by signals from Washington that failure to sign the proposal could jeopardize future assistance. Meanwhile, Driscoll sought to balance pressure with cooperation during his meeting with Zelensky, indicating a willingness to consider some alterations to the document. The stakes are high, as this proposal has been characterized as favorable to Russia, leading European leaders to plan a counterproposal during a Group of 20 meeting in Johannesburg.
Zelensky asserted his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating, “We will not give the enemy any reason to say that Ukraine does not want peace.” The proposal’s acceptance would entail Ukraine withdrawing troops from the vital Donetsk region and granting Russia control over territories it has occupied, demanding recognition from the international community of Russian claims to Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine. This could effectively undermine Ukraine’s military capabilities and hinder European support for its future defense.
Global reactions to this proposal are mixed, with European leaders reaffirming the need to protect Ukrainian interests. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that any resolution should ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and future, highlighting the necessity for consensus among European and NATO allies before any agreements are finalized.
While Russia has advanced militarily in recent months, some analysts believe that entering a peace agreement at this juncture may yield unfavorable conditions for Ukraine, potentially emboldening Russia further. The proposed settlement suggests the gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia as part of reintegration into the global economy, raising concerns about future security implications for Ukraine.
The complexities surrounding this peace deal illustrate the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region. With Zelensky facing pressure both domestically and internationally, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining Ukraine’s path forward in these negotiations. Observers remain hopeful that a resolution can be achieved, but it is clear that the stakes are high, necessitating careful navigation to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and future stability.