Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been careful not to criticise or reject this US draft peace deal - even though it appears to heavily reflect many of Moscow's demands.
In his nightly address, Zelensky said Ukraine needed peace and would engage in diplomacy and issue no rash statements. He stated Ukraine was ready for constructive, honest and efficient work.
However, significant concerns linger regarding some of the reported proposals, including ceding the entire Donbas region, decreasing the size of Ukraine's military, and ruling out the presence of international troops in the country - concessions Ukraine has previously rejected.
Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn informed the Kyiv Independent that Washington seems to be pursuing a quick peace at the expense of one side, which they consider weaker.
Recent events may have further weakened Ukraine's position, as Russia has made gains in the east and long-range strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure have left much of the country experiencing power outages. Allegations of serious corruption within the Ukrainian government have also led to political infighting, diverting focus from the ongoing conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that peace will necessitate difficult compromises from both sides. A draft publicized in the media offers some assurances of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
This draft indicates that certain frozen Russian assets could be utilized for Ukraine's reconstruction. However, it also firmly rules out Ukraine's NATO membership while allowing for potential EU membership.
European allies have voiced their desire for more involvement in the drafting process. There is no reference to collaborative efforts led by the UK and France to establish an international reassurance force in Ukraine post-ceasefire. The draft's exclusion of foreign troop presence raises more eyebrows.
As time may not be on Zelensky's side, US officials pushing the plan—authorized by President Trump—appear to be on a fast track, preparing to visit Moscow imminently. Hopes for direct negotiation between President Putin and Zelensky seem to have been abandoned.
Trump, who has often asserted his capability to swiftly bring the war to an end, is reportedly growing impatient, urging a signature from both parties on a peace deal.
