A peace proposal supported by the United States, developed by special envoy Steve Witkoff with contributions from both Ukrainian and Russian channels, is generating concern among European allies and increasing pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy, having previously rejected any recognition of Russian control over Ukrainian territory, issued a very strong public statement, cautioning that Kyiv is approaching “one of the most challenging periods in our history.”
According to comments released by Reuters on Friday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is under considerable strain and could soon be confronted with what he described as “a profound dilemma: either sacrificing its integrity or jeopardizing a crucial alliance. This could mean either accepting 28 challenging conditions or enduring an exceptionally harsh winter—the toughest to date—along with ongoing perils. A life devoid of liberty, respect, and fairness. And we are expected to place our trust in an entity that has already assaulted us twice.”
Zelenskyy appealed to Ukrainians to maintain composure while discussions with Washington proceed. He asserted, “We will refrain from any dramatic declarations; instead, we will engage quietly with America and all our allies. I will put forward arguments, I will seek to convince, I will propose different options, but we will absolutely not provide our adversary with any pretext to claim that Ukraine shuns peace, obstructs the process, or is unprepared for diplomatic engagement. That simply will not occur.”
Forecasting increased efforts to fragment the nation, he indicated that Ukrainians should anticipate “significant pressure—political, media-related, and various other forms—aimed at weakening us,” but he pledged, “we are not entitled to permit that,” and affirmed, “we will prevail.”
Reports from several sources suggest that a preliminary draft of the plan would demand Kyiv to hand over the eastern Donbas area to Russia, restrict Western long-range attacks within Russian borders, and set a maximum limit for Ukraine’s military personnel at approximately 600,000.
The White House stated that Witkoff and the Secretary of State have been “discreetly developing” the initiative and interacting with both parties. The President has been informed and backs efforts to conclude the framework before the holiday season.
Zelenskyy is arranging discussions with Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as European leaders urgently evaluate the potential effects of the proposal, following a conversation he had with U.S. Vice President Vance, according to a source.
Ukraine has officially received the document. Both Ukraine and the United States would “collaborate on the plan’s stipulations,” and Kyiv is prepared for “productive, transparent, and prompt engagement.” He has consistently rejected acknowledging Russian authority over any Ukrainian land, previously stating that there should be “no recompense for initiating conflict.”
“We are striving to guarantee that Ukraine’s national interests are considered in all aspects of our partnerships,” he posted Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Ukrainian insider informed Digital that the proposals encompass restrictions on NATO membership, territorial handovers, and reductions in military personnel. The former high-ranking Ukrainian official labeled the draft conditions as “political self-destruction” that would hold Zelenskyy accountable “for the relinquishment of roughly one-fifth of Ukraine.”
In response, Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that Washington and Moscow are not currently engaging in detailed discussions regarding the proposals, though communication is occurring. Peskov informed journalists, “Some concepts exist on the American side, but no significant matters are presently under review. We are entirely receptive—we uphold our readiness for peace discussions.”
During a Security Council briefing on Thursday, urged immediate action, asserting that diplomacy represents “the sole avenue to an enduring and equitable peace.” Waltz mentioned that Washington has “put forward favorable conditions for Russia, including the easing of sanctions,” and guaranteed that “under President Trump’s guidance, the United States will persist in seeking a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.”
Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Ukraine’s Deputy Representative to the United Nations, strongly refuted the proposals during Thursday’s Security Council session, stating that Kyiv would decline any agreement that undermines its sovereignty. She declared, “There will be no recognition whatsoever, formal or informal, of Ukrainian land temporarily under Russian Federation occupation as Russian. Our territory is not an item for sale.” Hayovyshyn emphasized that “Ukraine will not consent to any constraints on its prerogative of self-defense or on the scale and capacities of its military, nor will we condone any violation of our sovereignty, including our sovereign right to select the alliances we wish to be part of.”
European leaders found themselves surprised. Reports indicated that the heads of Germany, France, and the U.K. conversed with Zelenskyy on Friday to reiterate their “steadfast and complete backing on the path toward a durable and fair peace” while diplomats rushed to analyze a U.S. proposition that many initially discovered through news outlets. Bild reported that Merz canceled a local engagement to conduct urgent calls with both Zelenskyy and Trump.
Zelenskyy is anticipated to converse with Trump shortly to deliberate the central aspects of the plan and Ukraine’s non-negotiable positions.