U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine War Puts Pressure on Zelenskyy, Stirs European Concern

A U.S.-backed framework to end the Ukraine war is causing significant diplomatic tension as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces what he calls “one of the most difficult moments” in his nation’s history. The peace plan, developed by special envoy Steve Witkoff with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reportedly includes provisions that would require Ukraine to make substantial territorial concessions.

According to multiple sources, the working draft would require Kyiv to cede the eastern Donbas region to Russia, limit long-range Western strikes inside Russian territory, and cap Ukraine’s armed forces at approximately 600,000 troops. The White House confirmed that Witkoff and Rubio have been “quietly working” on the plan, engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv. President Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed and supports pushing to finalize the framework before the holidays.

“Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” Zelenskyy said in a recent video address. While acknowledging receipt of the document, he stated that Ukraine and the United States would “work on the provisions of the plan” and are ready for “constructive, honest and swift work.”

However, Ukrainian officials have established clear red lines. A source told Fox News Digital that these include opposition to limitations on NATO membership, territorial concessions, and troop cuts. A former senior Ukrainian official described the draft’s terms as “political suicide” that would leave Zelenskyy responsible “for the loss of about one-fifth of Ukraine.”

During Thursday’s UN Security Council meeting, Ukraine’s Deputy Representative Khrystyna Hayovyshyn firmly rejected any settlement compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty. “There will never be any recognition, formal or otherwise, of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as Russian. Our land is not for sale,” she declared.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Washington’s initiative while maintaining a cautious tone. “There are certain ideas on the American side, but nothing substantive is currently being discussed. We are completely open — we maintain our openness to peace negotiations,” Peskov told reporters.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz emphasized the urgency of diplomatic efforts during the Security Council briefing. “The United States has proposed generous terms for Russia, including sanctions relief,” he stated, vowing that “under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will continue to pursue a path to peace in Ukraine.”

The peace plan has reportedly caught European leaders off guard, with many first learning about it through media reports rather than diplomatic channels. The Associated Press reported that the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom spoke with Zelenskyy on Friday to reaffirm their “unchanged and full support on the way to a lasting and just peace.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly canceled a domestic appearance to hold crisis calls with both Zelenskyy and Trump.

The timing of this diplomatic initiative comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing Russian attacks. Just yesterday, Russian forces struck Kyiv, with firefighters battling blazes in damaged buildings across the Ukrainian capital.

This push for peace negotiations marks a significant shift in the U.S. approach to the Ukraine conflict under President Trump’s administration. The proposal appears to align with Trump’s campaign promises to quickly end the war, though the specific terms have stirred controversy among Ukraine’s allies.

Zelenskyy is expected to speak directly with Trump in the coming days to discuss the plan’s core points and Ukraine’s position. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of both the conflict and U.S.-Ukrainian relations.