France has accused the United States of pressuring Ukraine into conceding to a new peace proposal developed jointly by Washington and Moscow. The 28-point plan involves Kyiv surrendering territory to Russia and reducing its military forces by half. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that peace should not equate to capitulation and expressed opposition to Ukraine’s surrender.
Criticism of the plan has arisen from various European leaders, with concerns raised over the secretive negotiations that led to its formulation. The proposal, which sidelines Ukrainian involvement, suggests that Ukraine would relinquish de facto control of the eastern Donbas region to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire.
Additionally, the plan outlines measures such as reducing Ukraine’s armed forces, banning long-range missiles, preventing foreign troop deployments, cutting off US military assistance, and limiting diplomatic flights into the country. The proposal includes provisions for making Russian an official state language and granting formal status to the Russian Orthodox Church in occupied areas. Ukraine would have the option to seek security assurances from the US and European governments to stabilize any ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials have strongly opposed the plan, particularly President Volodymyr Zelensky, who refuses to yield the mineral-rich Donbas region and its fortified cities, denouncing such demands as submission to Moscow’s influence. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer asserted that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that is failing to engage in negotiations, emphasizing that any discussions must commence at the current contact line without redrawing international borders by force.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s approach, emphasizing the necessity of difficult concessions for achieving a lasting peace. European leaders highlighted the importance of Ukrainian and European involvement in any peace efforts, underscoring the need for negotiations to prioritize a ceasefire along the contact line before addressing territorial and security matters.
The plan has drawn comparisons to demands made by Vladimir Putin during previous discussions with Trump, signaling similarities in their objectives. While the Kremlin advocates addressing the root causes of the conflict in any peace agreement, no active negotiations have been reported between the US and Russia. A Pentagon delegation, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, has engaged in talks with Zelensky, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.