Ukraine has significantly revised a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, reportedly cutting the number of points from 28 to 19. This adjustment follows negotiations last weekend in Switzerland between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to informed sources cited by The Guardian on 24/11.

The revised plan notably removes several demands previously made by Russia. Kyiv and its European allies maintain that the current front lines should serve as the starting point for any territorial discussions. Furthermore, Ukraine has asserted that it cannot recognize any territories annexed by Russia and reserves the right to determine its own path regarding membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO.

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, at an event in Kyiv in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on 24/11 that the original 28 points in the US peace plan were unsuitable. While he did not specify the exact number of reduced terms, the Ukrainian delegation described the latest version of the peace plan as "more realistic." Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya stated that sensitive issues such as NATO membership were noted "to be decided later by President Donald Trump and Mr. Zelensky."

The US initially presented its peace plan draft to Ukraine on 20/11. This draft included various demands previously put forth by Russia, such as Ukraine abandoning the Donbas region, accepting limitations on its army size, and ceasing its pursuit of NATO membership. Russia had initially described the US draft as a potential foundation for a peace agreement but subsequently rejected a version that incorporated European modifications.

Ngoc Anh (According to Guardian, Reuters, AFP)