London, November 23, 2025
A leaked US draft proposal outlining a 28-point plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine demands major Ukrainian concessions, including territorial losses, military reductions, and a ban on NATO membership, sparking sharp criticism from Kyiv and European officials. The plan aims to establish a ceasefire and security arrangements favoring Moscow.
Key Provisions of the US Draft Peace Plan
The draft plan, reportedly developed through US-Russia talks, calls for Ukraine to cede control of Crimea, the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts to Russia. It envisions a frozen frontline along these territories, effectively recognizing de facto Russian sovereignty over areas internationally acknowledged as part of Ukraine. A neutral, demilitarized buffer zone would be established in contested regions, supervised by international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Military terms require Ukraine to halve its current armed forces, reducing its army to approximately 600,000 personnel. The draft also mandates constitutional amendments prohibiting Ukraine from joining NATO, alongside binding NATO agreements not to deploy forces on Ukrainian soil. Instead, European air forces could be stationed in neighboring Poland to provide indirect security support, replacing previous requests for European-led peacekeepers within Ukraine—an arrangement rejected by Russia.
On energy, the proposal calls for dividing electricity output from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant equally between Russia and Ukraine, with IAEA supervision to ensure safety and neutrality. The plan further suggests a phased easing of Western sanctions on Russia, contingent on Moscow’s genuine adherence to the ceasefire and security guarantees.
Reactions from Kyiv, Europe, and Analysts
Ukrainian officials have dismissed the draft as unacceptable, describing it as crossing multiple “red lines,” particularly regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kyiv views the forced territorial concessions as tantamount to surrender and undermining Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. European diplomats emphasize that any peace plan must involve Ukraine and European stakeholders fully to ensure legitimacy and avoid unilateral arrangements favoring Moscow.
Analysts express skepticism about the plan’s fairness and practicality, warning it risks entrenching Russian gains and freezing conflict rather than resolving it. Some characterize aspects of the draft as effectively a surrender blueprint that could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position and long-term sovereignty. Such perceptions have intensified concerns about maintaining consistent Western support for Ukraine’s war aims.
Background and Political Context
The draft emerged from discussions involving the US and Russia, with reports that Moscow influenced key elements. The document’s origins trace partially to initiatives during former US President Trump’s administration, although current US officials maintain that multiple parties contributed to the formulation. Ukraine’s government has responded with caution—engaging diplomatically to avoid alienating Western partners while firmly rejecting substantive parts of the proposal.
This leaked draft represents a significant departure from Ukraine’s current diplomatic goals and the broader international consensus, which rejects any recognition of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories. The proposal’s existence underscores the continuing complexity of achieving a durable settlement that reconciles security concerns with sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the conflict persists, the terms outlined in this draft illustrate the difficult compromises some parties are willing to entertain. However, given the strong opposition from Kyiv and European capitals, alongside entrenched mistrust toward Moscow’s intentions, the prospects for implementing such a plan remain uncertain. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, aware that any failure to achieve a just peace risks prolonging instability in the region.