Ukraine‘s President Zelenskyy Faces Mounting Pressure as U.S. Reportedly Proposes Concessions too Russia
Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing increased domestic and international pressure as reports surface of a U.S. plan that would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia and curtail its military capabilities in an effort to end the ongoing war.The proposal, detailed to the Associated Press by a source briefed on the plan, comes amid a corruption scandal within Ukraine and escalating Russian military offensives.
The plan suggests Ukraine relinquish control of the entire eastern Donbas region to Russia-despite currently controlling portions of it-and abandon certain weaponry. It also proposes a rollback of critical U.S. military assistance. Zelenskyy has previously rejected similar conditions, deeming them “unconstitutional and unjust.” The timing of the reported plan is “very damaging for ukraine,” according to Orysia Lutsevych, a Ukraine expert at Chatham House, who believes both the U.S. and Russia are leveraging Ukraine’s internal vulnerabilities to push for concessions.
Here are five key things to no:
- Territorial Concessions: The U.S. plan reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, specifically granting Moscow effective control of the Donbas region, an area Russia has sought since its 2022 invasion.
- Reduced Military Aid: the proposal includes a rollback of some U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, possibly impacting its defense capabilities.
- Zelenskyy’s Rejection: President Zelenskyy has previously dismissed similar demands from Russia, stating they are unacceptable and violate Ukraine’s constitution. He has not yet publicly commented on the new U.S. plan.
- Domestic Crisis: The reported plan emerged as Zelenskyy is grappling with a corruption scandal, creating a moment of vulnerability for his administration. Lutsevych suggests this scandal has prompted increased pressure from both the U.S. and Russia.
- Escalating Russian attacks: Russia has intensified its military attacks along the front lines and against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creating further strain on the country. Russian forces are currently pushing towards Kupiansk and Lyman in the Kharkiv region, and fierce battles are centered around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Russian attacks on power plants in November have caused significant electricity shortages.