Content: WASHINGTON — A draft proposal for ending the war in Ukraine, attributed to President Donald Trump, suggests significant territorial concessions to Russia and restrictions on Ukraine's military size. The draft, obtained recently, indicates that negotiations between Washington and Moscow have favored Russian interests, raising concerns about its acceptance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The proposal would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and halt any future expansion of the alliance, a move that would be seen as a major win for Russia, which perceives NATO as a threat. Additionally, the plan would allow Russia to maintain control over the entire eastern Donbas region, despite approximately 14% of it still being under Ukrainian control.

If implemented, the plan could lead to the lifting of sanctions on Russia and its reinstatement in the Group of Eight, a coalition of major economies from which it was suspended in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea. The draft also includes a commitment from Russia to refrain from future attacks, which the White House views as a concession. Furthermore, it proposes allocating $100 billion in frozen Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

However, the idea of ceding territory to Russia is likely to face strong opposition within Ukraine, as it contradicts the country's constitution and Zelenskyy’s previous statements rejecting such concessions.

The U.S. team, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, has been developing the plan for about a month, incorporating feedback from both Ukrainian and Russian officials. Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, have played significant roles in drafting the proposal.

In a related development, Zelenskyy discussed the draft with U.S. representatives, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who visited Kyiv. Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to collaborate on the plan but did not comment directly on its specifics. He stated, "Our teams — of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work."

The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, including U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, who labeled it "unacceptable" and likened it to the 1938 Munich Agreement, which is often viewed as a failed attempt to appease aggressors.

European diplomats have also expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for broader consultations with Ukraine and European leaders. They worry that the plan may be too lenient toward Russia, with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating, "We haven’t heard of any concessions on the Russian side."

As the situation evolves, Ukraine's deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn confirmed that Kyiv has received the draft and is prepared to engage constructively, but she reiterated Ukraine's firm stance against recognizing any Russian claims to occupied territories. "Our land is not for sale," she asserted, emphasizing that Ukraine will not accept limitations on its right to self-defense or its military capabilities.

The draft plan reflects ongoing tensions and complexities in the conflict, which began nearly four years ago. Despite previous diplomatic efforts yielding little progress, Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations, stating, "I thought that was going to be my easy one because I have a good relationship with President Putin. But I’m a little disappointed in President Putin right now."