A secret peace proposal drafted by American and Russian negotiators could dramatically reshape Ukraine's borders and force significant military concessions from President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to leaked documents.
The Controversial 28-Point Plan
The proposed agreement, consisting of 28 detailed points, would see Ukraine surrender the entire mineral-rich Donbas region to Moscow while accepting severe restrictions on its military capabilities. The plan was secretly developed by US and Kremlin representatives during three days of meetings in Florida at the end of October.
Under the terms, Russia would gain full de facto control of Luhansk and Donetsk, despite Ukraine currently controlling approximately 14.5% of this territory according to the Institute for the Study of War. The arrangement would see Moscow pay an undisclosed rental fee for control of the region, while Ukraine would retain legal ownership.
In further major concessions, Ukraine's military would be halved in size, Russian would be recognised as an official state language, and the Russian Orthodox Church would gain official status in occupied territories.
Military Restrictions and Political Consequences
The proposal includes draconian measures that would severely limit Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Kyiv would be prohibited from possessing long-range missiles, foreign troops would be barred from deployment on Ukrainian territory, and diplomatic aircraft would be prevented from landing in the country.
White House and Kremlin negotiators appear to have sensed Ukrainian vulnerability, with Russia's tactic of pummelling energy infrastructure likely to plunge swaths of the nation into cold and darkness this winter. The proposal comes as Ukraine faces a severe manpower crisis, with four out of five conscripts reportedly fleeing military training centres and a record 21,000 deserters last month alone.
One person briefed on the proposal described it as "very comfortable for Putin" to the Financial Times, while another source characterised the plan as "heavily titled" toward the Russian leader.
International Reaction and Ongoing Conflict
The leaked proposal emerged during one of Russia's most intense bombardments since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. On November 20, 2025, Russian strikes destroyed apartment blocks in Ternopil, killing 25 people including three children and wounding approximately 80 others.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasised that Ukraine and Europe needed involvement in any peace plan, stating: "For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board. We have to understand that in this war, there is one aggressor and one victim."
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot insisted that peace in Ukraine could not mean "capitulation" for Kyiv, while German officials stressed the importance of close coordination with European partners.
Russian forces currently control approximately 19% of Ukrainian territory (44,800 square miles) and continue to make gradual advances, up from 18% nearly three years ago. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue behind closed doors.
