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Zelensky avoids outright rejection of US peace proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refrained from criticizing a US-drafted peace plan on Thursday, despite reports that the proposal aligns closely with Moscow's demands, including territorial concessions and military restrictions long opposed by Kyiv.
The White House denied claims that Ukraine had been excluded from the drafting process, which followed direct US-Russia discussions. In his nightly address, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's commitment to diplomacy, stating the country was "ready for constructive, honest, and efficient work" while avoiding "rash statements."
Controversial concessions raise alarms in Kyiv
Key provisions reportedly include ceding the entire Donbas region to Russia, slashing Ukraine's military capabilities, and banning international troop deployments-terms Ukraine has previously rejected. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn told The Kyiv Independent that Washington appeared to prioritize "a quick peace at the expense of one side, which they consider weaker."
Recent setbacks have further strained Ukraine's negotiating position. Russian forces advanced in the east, while Moscow's strikes on critical infrastructure plunged much of the country into rolling blackouts. Meanwhile, corruption scandals within Zelensky's government have fueled political infighting, distracting from the war effort.
US pushes aggressive timeline as Europe sidelined
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that peace would require "difficult decisions on both sides." The draft, reportedly approved by President Donald Trump, includes "reliable security guarantees" for Ukraine and proposes using frozen Russian assets for reconstruction. However, it explicitly rules out NATO membership for Kyiv while leaving the door open for EU accession.
European allies-including the UK and France, which had proposed an international peacekeeping force-appear marginalized in the process. The draft's rejection of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil contradicts earlier European initiatives. Diplomats suggest pressure from EU capitals could still influence the terms, but time is running short.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Catalan Water Agency
Trump's impatience accelerates timeline
US officials are working to finalize the deal within weeks, not months, with plans to travel to Moscow imminently. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could "quickly end the war," appears eager for a signed agreement. Prospects for direct Zelensky-Putin negotiations have dimmed, as the White House abandons efforts to broker a leaders' summit.
Kyiv's limited leverage
With Russia gaining momentum on the battlefield and Ukraine grappling with internal crises, Zelensky's room to maneuver is shrinking. The draft's exclusion of NATO membership-a red line for Kyiv-underscores the concessions Ukraine may face. Analysts warn that without stronger European backing or a shift in battlefield dynamics, Kyiv could be forced to accept unfavorable terms to secure US support.
