President Donald Trump’s draft plan to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine includes provisions that would require Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia and impose strict limitations on its military capabilities. This proposal, obtained by The Associated Press, reflects extensive negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials and was discussed in a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a U.S. representative, indicating a renewed push for a settlement as the conflict approaches its fourth year.

The draft notably prohibits Ukraine from joining NATO and halts any future expansion of the alliance, a key demand from Moscow, which perceives NATO as a threat to its influence and territorial security. Additionally, the proposal would grant Russia full control over the eastern Donbas region, including approximately 14% of the area still under Ukrainian control, thereby providing President Vladimir Putin with territorial gains that have not been achieved through military means.

The plan also outlines incentives for Russia, such as a pathway to lift U.S. and European sanctions and restore its membership in the Group of 8, a forum of major economies. In return, Russia would commit to refraining from future attacks on Ukraine, a concession the White House is framing as significant. Furthermore, the proposal allocates $100 billion in frozen Russian assets for reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

However, the proposal faces substantial political and legal challenges. Ceding territory is highly unpopular among Ukrainians and is explicitly prohibited by Ukraine’s constitution. President Zelensky has consistently stated that he will not agree to relinquish land occupied by Russian forces, emphasizing that any peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Union's chief diplomat has cautioned Trump that any peace deal must have the support of both Europe and Ukraine to be effective. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff have been developing the plan over the past month, incorporating feedback from Ukrainian and Russian officials.

Reports indicate that the United States has pressured Ukraine to accept the U.S.-brokered peace plan, which consists of 28 points, including demands for Ukraine to cede additional territory and limit its military size. This pressure has heightened as a deadline for signing the framework approaches, with senior U.S. military officials meeting with President Zelensky, who has been cautious in his response, emphasizing the need for a plan that ensures a dignified peace.

European leaders, who were not consulted on the U.S. plan, have expressed their support for Ukraine, proposing a strategy focused on weakening Russia and supporting Ukraine. The proposed agreement includes provisions that Ukrainian officials have previously deemed unacceptable, as they could be interpreted as capitulation after enduring a prolonged conflict.

The urgency for a resolution is heightened as the conflict continues, with Russian forces occupying significant portions of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis deepening. The ongoing military situation and internal challenges within the Ukrainian government, including a recent corruption scandal, further complicate the landscape for peace negotiations. As diplomatic discussions continue, conflicting claims about battlefield control persist, with both sides asserting their positions in contested areas.