28-Point Peace Plan Leaves Kyiv Facing a ‘Lose-Lose’ Choice

Kyiv is under immense pressure as the United States pushes a new draft proposal, one that Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly endorsed.Most elements of the draft require Ukraine to make significant territorial and sovereignty concessions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the moment as a historic crossroads, warning that Ukraine is being forced to choose between “losing its dignity” under a U.S.–Russia plan or losing a key ally.“The country is going through one of the most difficult periods in its history,” he said.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s honor and independence are at stake.

“Either we accept 28 painful points, or we face the toughest winter yet, along with even greater risks. A life without freedom, dignity, and justice. And we are expected to trust someone who has attacked us twice before.”

The plan reportedly requires Ukraine to relinquish large, strategically critical territories.

Under the proposal, the entirety of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk would be ceded to Russia.Meanwhile, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would become “frozen zones” along current front lines, effectively recognizing Russia’s lines of control. Ukraine still controls one-third of Donetsk today.

The draft also calls for downsizing Ukraine’s armed forces.

Another provision blocks Ukraine from joining NATO. A U.S.-mediated security dialogue between Russia and NATO would be launched, and NATO troops would be barred from being stationed in Ukraine.

One of the few positive elements for Kyiv:

Ukraine would be deemed eligible for EU membership and gain temporary preferential access to EU markets.

However, this comes with a shock requirement: national elections must be held within 100 days.

The plan also stipulates that Ukraine will remain a non-nuclear state.

The U.S. and Russia would work together to extend all nuclear treaties, including START I.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would be restarted under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight, with electricity production split 50/50 between Ukraine and Russia.

If the plan is approved, sanctions on Russia would be lifted gradually, and Moscow would be invited back into the G8.

The U.S. and Russia would sign long-term economic cooperation agreements in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and Arctic mineral resources.

Around $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be directed toward Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Implementation of the agreement would be overseen by a new body called the “Peace Council.”

Trump has given Ukraine until Thursday to review and accept the proposal.

Source: Euronews