U.S. and Russian Pressure Mounts to Push Ukraine Toward a Controversial Peace Agreement

Diplomatic activity surrounding the Ukraine war is intensifying amid reports of growing international pressure on Kyiv to consider a draft peace agreement proposed by the United States, which includes concessions the Ukrainian leadership views as sensitive. While Moscow urges immediate negotiations, Kyiv insists it will not cross its red lines.

European capitals have seen an escalation in consultations following the leak of initial U.S. plans to end the war. In a phone call that brought together German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the three leaders reaffirmed their support for a “just and lasting peace” that safeguards the long-term interests of Ukraine and Europe, while welcoming U.S. efforts.

Zelensky said his country is reviewing the U.S. proposal, but emphasized the need for a “genuine peace” that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and the dignity of its people.

In Moscow, the Kremlin called on Kyiv to begin negotiations “without delay,” with presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov citing a “shrinking margin of maneuver” for Ukraine amid continued Russian military advances.

In Kyiv, National Security Council chairman and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov stressed that Ukraine “will not accept an agreement that compromises its sovereignty,” noting that any decisive choices must align with national security.

On the European side, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels has not officially received the 28-point U.S. draft, adding that the issue will be on the agenda during the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. Von der Leyen confirmed she would hold consultations with Zelensky to discuss the proposal’s details.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Kyiv faces increasing U.S. pressure to accept the proposed framework, including warnings of a possible reduction in military and intelligence support. The sources added that Washington wants the agreement signed by an upcoming deadline, which the Ukrainian leadership considers insufficient time to examine the contentious provisions.