A newly revealed U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine seeks to end the nearly two-year-long conflict by suggesting Kyiv cede control of key territories to Russia, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.the plan, details of which were first reported by the Associated Press, comes amid a challenging moment for Ukraine as its forces face renewed Russian offensives and as it continues to seek sustained international support. The White House confirmed the plan is under discussion,with President Trump voicing his support for the proposal as a potential path toward resolution.
The United States has presented a proposed peace plan for Ukraine that would involve Kyiv ceding control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Russia, according to documents seen by the Associated Press. The plan also suggests recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, a move that would likely be met with strong opposition from Ukraine and its allies.
The proposal comes as Ukrainian forces struggle to contain a renewed Russian offensive along the front lines, and as Kyiv seeks to maintain international support for its defense. The development underscores the increasing pressure on Ukraine to consider territorial concessions as the war enters its third year.
The White House acknowledged the plan is under discussion, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stating Thursday that President Trump “supports this plan. It’s a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine and we believe it is acceptable to both parties.” She added that Washington has engaged in discussions with both Ukrainian and Russian officials regarding the proposal.
“Dignified Peace”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking Thursday, reiterated his commitment to achieving “a just peace,” emphasizing that any resolution must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and the dignity of its people. “Ukraine needs peace… a dignified peace, so that the conditions are respectful of our independence, our sovereignty and the dignity of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said in his daily address.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unsuccessfully attempted to restart peace talks with Russia during a meeting with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Photo : AP / Yavuz Ozden
Zelenskyy is scheduled to discuss the matter with President Trump in the coming days.
The 28-point plan also proposes dividing the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along the current front lines. A Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia on Thursday evening reportedly killed at least five people and injured several others, according to rescue services.
Under the proposed agreement, Ukraine’s military would be limited to 600,000 personnel. NATO would commit to not stationing troops in Ukraine, while European fighter jets would be based in Poland. The plan also calls for a non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.
Kyiv would forgo its aspirations to join NATO, a key Russian demand, but would be “admissible” to European Union membership. Should Russia re-invade Ukraine, the plan stipulates a “coordinated” military response and the reimposition of international sanctions.
Russian Advances
Meanwhile, Russia claims to be making gains on the battlefield. The commander of Russia’s Western Military Group, Sergei Kuzovlev, announced Thursday the capture of Kupiansk, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the east. Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov asserted that Russian troops are advancing “practically on all fronts.”
The proposed plan also addresses the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, suggesting it be restarted under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with 50% of its electricity production going to Ukraine and 50% to Russia.
A senior Ukrainian official expressed concern that the peace proposals were drafted by Russia and approved by the Americans, questioning what Moscow was expected to do in return, stating that it was “not clear.”
European allies of Ukraine have emphasized the need for any agreement to include the positions of both the European Union and Kyiv. “For a plan to work, Ukrainians and Europeans need to be involved,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday.
The plan envisions utilizing $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
