• The U.S. is threatening to withdraw intelligence sharing and weapons support if Ukraine refuses to sign a peace framework requiring major concessions.
  • The draft plan, crafted without Ukrainian input, demands Ukraine halve its military and cede Donbas territory to Russia.
  • European leaders express alarm over the proposal's terms and the exclusion of Ukraine from negotiations.

Escalating Pressure on Kyiv

The United States is pressuring Ukraine to accept a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Russia by threatening to withdraw vital intelligence and weapons support, according to two people familiar with the matter. The White House is pushing for Kyiv's signature on the framework by next Thursday, these people said.

A draft of the plan, seen by sources, includes significant concessions from Ukraine, such as cutting the size of its army and ceding territory in the coal-rich Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Russia. The framework also reportedly requires Ukraine to make Russian an official language and abandon critical weapons categories.

A Contentious Draft and European Alarm

The proposal was drafted by U.S. and Russian special envoys during meetings in Miami, a process that notably excluded Ukrainian officials, according to people briefed on the discussions. This lack of involvement has triggered concern and criticism among European leaders.

"Any sustainable peace agreement must have Ukraine's and Europe's support," a senior European Commission official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks. The official expressed alarm at the scale of the concessions being demanded of Kyiv.

The Trump administration has dispatched senior officials to apply direct pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government, the people said. The move represents a sharp shift in U.S. policy, aligning closely with long-standing Russian demands that Washington had not previously supported.

Mounting Stakes and Regional Instability

With Ukraine already facing increased Russian attacks and widespread power outages, the potential rollback of U.S. assistance—previously essential to its defense—risks deepening hardship for civilians and emboldening further Russian assaults. The situation is highly dynamic, with diplomatic, military, and humanitarian stakes all heightened.

Analysts warn the U.S. approach could fray Western alliances and alter the balance of power in Eastern Europe. If the plan is signed, Ukraine would see a dramatic reduction in its military capabilities. If it resists, the country faces the prospect of fighting on without its most crucial ally.

Officials at the State Department and National Security Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidency declined to comment on what they termed "ongoing diplomatic discussions."

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the envoy meetings. They were held in Miami, not Geneva.