Talks are underway in Geneva between U.S. and Ukrainian officials over a recently leaked peace proposal in the Russia-Ukraine war. The draft, confirmed by the Trump administration, was reportedly drafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff together with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian businessman and adviser to President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainians say the plan was negotiated without their input and appears to heavily favor Russia.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would cede control of heavily fortified territory in the Donbas, limit its military forces and weapons, and formally renounce any future bid to join NATO. The plan offers no penalties for Russia; instead it envisions Russia’s reintegration into the international community, lifting of sanctions, and even a joint U.S.-Russian Arctic exploration agreement promising possible business opportunities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces intense pressure. His public standing has been weakened by a corruption scandal involving senior ministers, and Ukrainians say that has made the country politically more vulnerable. Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of the moment, framing the choice as between dignity and losing a key partner.
Reaction inside Ukraine has been anguished and angry. In Ternopil, a western city hit by Russian missiles the same week the plan emerged, more than 30 people were killed when a residential building was struck. Reporter accounts describe devastated buildings, recovery crews, memorial candles and fresh grief. Residents said the draft deal feels like a capitulation.
Kateryna Rushkov, a mother of two who sheltered through hours of bombardment, said the losses—especially of children—make any concession unbearable. Gym instructor Inga Shkarupa said it feels as if Russia is being treated as the victim while Ukrainians pay the price, and she urged Zelenskyy not to sign the deal.
European leaders reacted with dismay and alarm, viewing Ukraine as a frontline buffer for the continent. Officials have voiced concern and called for revisions, but appear cautious about confronting the U.S. administration. President Trump reportedly gave Zelenskyy a deadline to respond and warned that if Ukraine refuses, “then he can continue to fight his little heart out.”
With Ukrainians suffering fresh attacks on the ground and political strains at home, the leaked proposal has deepened fear and frustration across the country as leaders weigh an offer many see as heavily biased toward Russia.