Zelensky Rejects US Peace Plan Suggesting Ukrainian Troop Withdrawal from Donetsk

Key Disagreements on Peace Framework

• 📌 Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant are identified as critical points of contention between Ukraine and the United States regarding a peace plan.
• 💬 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that discussions with Washington are ongoing to develop a strong, legally binding security guarantee document, which he believes should be approved by the US Congress.

US Peace Proposal and Ukrainian Counter

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine and its European allies presented a counter-proposal to Washington after the initial US plan suggested Ukraine cede Luhansk, Donetsk, Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
• ⚠️ Zelensky described a new US compromise proposal where Ukrainian forces would leave the Donetsk region, with Russian forces not entering the territory, which he views as rewarding Russian aggression and establishing a "free economic zone."

Stance on Territorial Concessions

• ⚖️ Zelensky asserts that ceding the rest of the Donbas without a referendum would be illegal.
• 📊 A recent poll indicates that a majority of Ukrainians still oppose territorial concessions.
• 🗣️ The White House reportedly expresses frustration with both sides of the war, desiring action over mere meetings.