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Politics

'Capitulation and betrayal' — Ukraine rages at controversial US peace plan, piles pressure on Zelensky
Politics

'Capitulation and betrayal' — Ukraine rages at controversial US peace plan, piles pressure on Zelensky

by Kateryna Denisova

Amid mounting pressure from the White House, Kyiv is now grappling with a U.S. 28-point peace plan that many in the country view as a "capitulation." Ukrainian activists, lawmakers, soldiers and veterans warn that the proposal could strengthen Russia's position, leading to further conflict rather than resolution — and not just on the front lines, but on the streets of Ukraine. Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker with the opposition European Solidarity party, said that the leaked plan appears to be "a

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How Steve Witkoff pushed Ukraine sympathizers out of White House, and led US into Russia's arms

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is running a shadow operation inside the White House in an effort to sideline pro-Ukraine officials, the Kyiv Independent has learned. Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no diplomatic background before his appointment — has emerged as one of the central architects of a new Washington peace proposal that Ukrainian officials say revives the Kremlin's most sweeping demands. A source in Ukraine's President's Office earlier said that Witkoff is shaping the plan in d

Vladimir Putin greets U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff before their talks in Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 6, 2025.

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Everything we know about Trump’s 28-point peace plan for Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing Ukraine to accept a new peace proposal built around sweeping Russian demands, giving Kyiv until Nov. 27 to decide whether it will accept the demands or lose American support. The push marks Trump's latest attempt to end Russia's all-out war, now approaching its fourth year, and as President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 21, "Ukraine may soon face an extremely difficult choice. Either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner." The Kyiv In

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* Ukrainian officials say the plan closely mirrors Russia's maximalist demands and revives previously dropped concessions. * The framework calls for Ukraine to cede Donbas, halve its military, suspend NATO ambitions, and grant certain political concessions to Russia. * Kyiv and European partners were largely excluded from drafting the plan, though President Volodymyr Zelensky has received the draft. * A senior U.S. official said some reported elements could still change. * The negotiations

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