Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been careful not to criticise or reject this US draft peace deal - even though it appears to heavily reflect many of Moscow's demands.
In his nightly address, Zelensky said Ukraine needed peace and would engage in diplomacy and issue no rash statements. He stated Ukraine was ready for constructive, honest and efficient work.
However, there is deep concern about some of the reported proposals, including giving up the entire Donbas region, reducing the size of Ukraine's military, and ruling out the presence of international troops in the country - concessions which Ukraine has previously rejected.
Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn told the Kyiv Independent that Washington wanted a quick peace at the expense of one side, which they consider weaker.
Recent events may have further weakened Ukraine's position. Russia has made further advances in eastern Ukraine and has conducted long-range strikes, causing significant power shortages across the country. Allegations of corruption within Ukraine’s government have intensified political infighting and diverted attention from the ongoing war.
All these issues are impossible to ignore in both Washington and Moscow.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that achieving peace will demand difficult decisions on both sides. A draft circulated in media includes a promise of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
The document suggests that some frozen Russian assets may be repurposed to aid Ukraine's reconstruction. Nevertheless, it rules out Ukraine's NATO membership while keeping the door open for EU membership.
It appears that Europe has had little influence over this plan. Notably absent is the involvement of the UK and France in establishing an international reassurance force in Ukraine, should a ceasefire occur, as the draft explicitly excludes foreign troop presence.
Europe insists on a more substantial role, and pressure from its allies may provide Zelensky with the leverage needed to negotiate changes to the proposed terms.
However, time is of the essence, as US officials are working to a tight schedule for the plan, with intentions to travel to Moscow soon. The hope of bringing Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky together for negotiations seems increasingly unlikely.
Trump, asserting his capability to swiftly end the war, appears to be losing patience and is pushing for a signature on the deal from both sides.
