Reports: US drafts Ukraine peace plan with Russia | DW News

Key Concepts

• US-Russia Peace Plan Draft: A reported 28-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine, allegedly developed by the US in consultation with Russia, without direct Ukrainian input.
• Territorial Concessions: A key element reportedly included in the peace plan, suggesting Ukraine would relinquish some territory.
• Military Reductions: Another reported component of the plan, involving Ukraine giving up certain weapons and reducing the size of its armed forces.
• Security Guarantees: Proposed assurances for Ukraine and Europe against future Russian aggression, potentially in exchange for territorial concessions.
• Russian Information Warfare: Concerns raised by Ukrainian officials that the reported peace plan is a Russian disinformation campaign.
• Ukrainian Sovereignty and Independence: The paramount importance of these principles for Ukraine in any peace agreement.
• US-Ukraine Relations: The ongoing cooperation and support between the United States and Ukraine.
• Corruption Scandals in Ukraine: Potential leverage for external pressure on Ukraine's leadership.

Report of a Secret US-Russia Peace Plan

A report by Axios suggests that the United States has been secretly collaborating with Russia on a new draft peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. This 28-point plan is reportedly inspired by the US-led efforts to broker a deal for Gaza. While not all points are public, sources indicate they include Ukraine relinquishing some territory, giving up certain weapons, and reducing the size of its armed forces. Reuters reports that the US has signaled to Ukraine that it must accept this agreement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, when questioned about the Axios report, stated there were "no innovations" to report, referencing discussions in Anchorage.

Russian Attacks Continue Amidst Peace Plan Reports

Despite the reports of a potential peace plan, Russian attacks on Ukraine have not ceased. Overnight, a drone and missile barrage on the western city of Ternopil resulted in at least 25 deaths and over 70 injuries. Officials reported the launch of more than 470 drones and 48 missiles in these strikes. Rescue efforts were underway to pull survivors from the wreckage of residential buildings.

US Military Delegation in Kyiv

Two senior US Army officials, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, have arrived in Kyiv. This visit is considered rare, especially during wartime. They are scheduled to meet with President Zelenskyy to discuss the reported peace plan.

Details of the US-Russia Peace Plan

According to Axios, US special envoy Steven Pifer has been leading the drafting of this plan. He reportedly met with Russian envoy Dmitry Peskov in Miami for three days in October. The 28-point plan is broadly categorized into four areas: peace in Ukraine, security guarantees, security in Europe, and future US relations with Ukraine and Russia.

Sources familiar with the talks suggest that the plan involves Kyiv ceding territory in exchange for US security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe against future Russian aggression. It also reportedly includes provisions for Kyiv to surrender certain weapons and reduce its military size.

Ukrainian Reactions to the Peace Plan Reports

President Zelenskyy's Stance

President Zelenskyy has acknowledged receiving "some proposals, some signals from the US" and stated they will see what happens. He did not elaborate further. A planned meeting between US special envoy Steven Pifer and President Zelenskyy in Ankara, Turkey, did not materialize. Zelenskyy is reportedly in a difficult position, aiming to appear open to dialogue while seeking a favorable outcome for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Parliament Member's Perspective

Alexei Goncharenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament for the opposition European Solidarity Party, expressed strong skepticism about the reported peace deal. He described the information as potentially a "Russian informational attack" and an "operation." Goncharenko stated that the reported points sound like a "surrender," which he believes Ukraine does not deserve. He highlighted Russia's failure to achieve its military objectives in the Donbas and argued that Ukraine's armed forces are its primary guarantee of security, especially given past broken security assurances from the US and UK in 1994 when Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons. He believes Russia's aim is to weaken Ukraine for future attacks.

Goncharenko was not briefed on the purpose of the US Army officials' visit but welcomed increased cooperation with the US. He expressed disbelief that the US would push Ukraine to surrender, as it would not be in the interest of either country. He also stated that he does not believe President Trump is pushing Ukraine towards an unacceptable deal and hopes he will pursue "real peace, not a ceasefire in Russian interests." He emphasized that any agreement must be in Ukraine's interest.

Regarding the report that the US has signaled to President Zelenskyy that Ukraine must accept the agreement, Goncharenko stated that if true, such an ultimatum would not work. He believes that certain points are unacceptable to Ukrainian society and that any agreement forced upon them would lead to failure, potentially resulting in an "Afghanistan" scenario for the US with wasted taxpayer money. He trusts that President Trump understands that Ukraine's success in protecting its independence is in the best interest of the United States.

Impact of Corruption Scandals

Goncharenko acknowledged that President Zelenskyy is currently weaker due to domestic corruption scandals. However, he stressed that Ukraine is a democratic country, and any agreement must be accepted by Ukrainian society. He believes President Trump and Americans understand this.

Resignation as an Option

If President Zelenskyy were cornered by President Trump and President Putin, Goncharenko stated that any politician should prioritize their country over power if they are a true patriot. However, he reiterated his belief that the information about the plan is unverified and that it might be a Russian proposition not supported by the US. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to clearly articulate what is acceptable and push for a peace agreement that is acceptable to Ukrainian society.