Kathrine Frich
A draft U.S. proposal on ending the war in Ukraine has fueled sharp criticism after major outlets reported that several provisions align closely with Kremlin objectives.
The document, still under revision according to CNN, is described by American officials as an early framework rather than a final offer.
Disputed concessions
Unnamed U.S. officials told CNN that aspects of the plan remain unsettled, yet multiple media reports have identified clauses that would hand Moscow clear advantages.
Kyiv has repeatedly dismissed any arrangement requiring territorial losses or weakened defenses.
Zelensky’s office confirmed that a draft had been received and would be discussed directly with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The announcement followed public skepticism in Ukraine, including MP Oleksiy Goncharenko’s remark: “No, this is the real peace plan for Ukraine.”
According to Axios, the draft was assembled by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and discussed with Kremlin associate Kirill Dmitriev, while Politico reported the White House hoped to unveil a unified proposal imminently.
Favourable provisions
Reporting from several outlets highlighted five elements viewed as especially beneficial to Russia:
- Transfer of remaining Donbas
The Financial Times, citing sources, said the proposal would require Ukraine to surrender the rest of Donbas, including areas still administered by Kyiv. - Halving Ukraine’s armed forces
The same reporting indicated the plan envisioned sharply reducing the size of Ukraine’s military, diminishing its long-term defensive capacity. - Ending investigations of Russian war crimes
Bloomberg reported that the draft called for Ukraine to suspend ongoing probes into Russia’s wartime actions. - Lifting sanctions on Russia
Bloomberg added that sanctions targeting Moscow would be removed under the proposed settlement. - Ceasing any further territorial resistance
Axios clarified that Kyiv would be expected to “cease the transfer of additional territory” to Russia, framed as part of a security-guarantee exchange.
Mounting pressure
U.S. officials quoted by CNN insisted the plan remains a preliminary concept requiring concessions from both sides.
Yet Reuters reported that Washington signaled to Zelensky that Kyiv was expected to consider the American framework as the basis for a potential end to the conflict.
The peace plan has intensified debate in both countries, with analysts warning that any agreement perceived as heavily one-sided risks deepening political tensions.
Sources: LA.lv, CNN, Axios, Politico, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, nv.ua
