Ukrainian Reactions to U.S.-Backed Peace Proposal Favoring Russia

Peace Talks and Russian Stance

• 🇺🇦 President Trump stated that progress is being made in peace talks to end the four-year war between Russia and Ukraine.
• 🇷🇺 However, the Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitri Pescov, described talk of a peace deal being near as "premature."
• 🇪🇺 The European Commission's Vice President noted "zero indication" that Russia is ready for a ceasefire, emphasizing it as a necessary first step.

U.S. Diplomatic Efforts and Next Steps

• 🇺🇸 President Trump mentioned that the original 28-point peace plan has been updated and fine-tuned with input from both sides, though some disagreements remain.
• 🤝 Special envoy Steve Woodoff is expected to head to Moscow, likely early next week, to meet with Russian officials, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will continue talks with Ukraine.
• 🗓️ A previously floated Thanksgiving deadline for a deal appears to be off the table, with a meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky only anticipated once a deal is in its final stages.

Unconventional Negotiation Process

• ❓ There has been significant confusion regarding the peace plan, with versions evolving from 28 to 30 points, and then negotiated down to 18.
• 🗺️ The initial model reportedly drew from a Middle East Gaza plan, and the U.S. and Russia were involved in drafting, with subsequent review by Europeans and Ukrainians who were not part of the initial drafting.
• 🚫 This process is described as unconventional, with no versions yet confirmed or owned by the primary negotiating parties.

Ukrainian Rejection of the Proposal

• 🗣️ A member of the Ukrainian Parliament stated the U.S.-backed 28-point plan was drafted in Russian and translated into English, calling it "absolutely not acceptable."
• 🚫 Key objections include the inclusion of topics or discussions about trading land and the inability to force politicians to sign documents not accepted by Ukrainian society.
• 📉 Public opinion in Ukraine shows an overwhelming majority (around 90%) finding the plan unacceptable, with concerns about compromising territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• 💥 The French President and others have reportedly used harsh language, calling the initial version a "capitulation" rather than a fair negotiation, especially given Russia's ongoing aggression.