"Even if Zelenskyy wanted to sign it, he couldn't because there is no political basis for it."

"There are many non-starters there. Clearly this is a pro-Russian deal that was written by Dmitriev and Witkoff."

"It is very similar to the minerals deal. We modified it for three months [before it was signed]. But this deal is between the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and Europe, so I think it will be more like 12 months to negotiate."

"I think this is the beginning of the peace process, not the end."

"It doesn't seem like everyone in the Russian government is interested in this." 

Anonymous insider official

 

"Russia remains committed to the discussions that took place in Anchorage. We are aware of possible modifications and approved wording, but we have not received anything officially."

"There are certain considerations on the American side, but nothing specific is being discussed at the moment. We are completely open and remain open to peace talks."

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman 

Andriy Yermak (left), heading negotiating talks for Ukraine, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva on Sunday   Reuters

 

There is a palpable threat behind the latest U.S. peace proposal presented to Ukraine. A proposal that was missing a pre-presentation inclusion of the government of Ukraine and of Ukraine's European backers. This proposal reeks of Russian territorial expansionism declaring itself non-negotiable. The Kremlin and Washington appear to have decided to agree between them -- deliberately  sidelining the other involved principals from engagement -- that Russia's demands would predominate and nothing would be accomplished without Kyiv's complete surrender.

 

In fact, the proposal arrived in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's lap along with a threat; sign this capitulation plan under the guise of a 'peace proposal'  by U.S. Thanksgiving or depart empty handed with no prospect whatever for any future assistance of any kind from the U.S. administration. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was presented to a proposal, a version of the 28-point plan by President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, by U.S. army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.

 

A plan devised in camera between the White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. A plan replete with red lines for Ukraine; a massive reduction of the size of its military, and ceding territory that Russia had not succeeded in militarily possessing. Ukraine continues to receive U.S. weapons through European partners, and the sharing of intelligence crucial to Ukraine's survival on the battlefield, supplied by the U.S., is now in contention. 

 

Unless Kyiv swiftly signs a proposal, everything could be off the table. Although Zelenskyy requested document changes, and was given the response that some changes could be countenanced, nothing has yet been advanced in that direction. The plan is for both Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump to sign the proposed plan,whereupon it would be presented to the Russian bargaining team. The signing 'timeline', stressed U.S. officials, is 'aggressive'.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena after commemorative ceremony for victims of the great famine in Kyiv. Photograph: AP

 

The plan envisages a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the fortified Donetsk region in Ukraine's east, granting Russia full territorial control despite that in close to four years of war, Russia was not able to achieve control of the entire territory. "De facto recognition would be granted Russia of control of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, along with areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia", illegally seized; conflict in these regions to be frozen n the current front line.

 

Ukraine, further, would be forced to alter its constitution to reflect it would never again seek to join the western military alliance of NATO, and at the same time agree to significantly reduce the size of the Ukrainian armed forces from its current 800,000-850,000 personnel to 600,000. As a reward for such sweeping concessions Ukraine would receive "reliable security guarantees", none of which have been outlined. The proposed settlement would also bar presence of any NATO  troops on Ukrainian soil.  

 

So there goes the European proposal for NATO troops meant to deter Russia from attacking again, to be stationed in Ukraine. European officials have balked at not having been included in the drafting of the proposal, signalling concern over the latest peace proposal while warning Ukraine's 'capitulation' is unacceptable, and that its sovereignty must be protected. Ukraine and its European allies have held out for a ceasefire pausing the war at current front lines.

 

Rescue workers clear the rubble of a house destroyed in a Russian strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, late Sunday. (Andrii Marienko/The Associated Press)

 

Ukraine is adamant that it would not cede land not already seized militarily, to Russia, nor that it would ever be prepared to consent to reducing its military force numbers, giving Moscow a territorial-grasp advantage that would inevitably lead to another invasion. Military analysts claim Moscow lacks the military capacity for major gains, despite far outmanning and outgunning the Ukrainian side. Pointing out that sanctions are affecting the Russian budget revenue, forcing tax hikes and spending cuts.

 

With the final settlement of the proposal reintegrating Russia into the global economy, with sanctions lifted "in stages and on a case-by-case basis", included. Should Russia once again attack Ukraine "in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated" and recognition of seized territory revoked, according to the proposal.  

"The effective work of the Russian Armed Forces should convince Zelenskyy and his regime that it is better to negotiate and do so now, better to do so now than later."

"His room for manoeuvre is shrinking as he loses territory to the Russian armed forces' offensive."

"And this is not even about war: it is about forcing Zelenskyy and his regime to seek a peaceful solution to the issue."

Dmitry Peskov