A new US peace proposal has intensified tensions in Ukraine after a Russian missile strike killed 26 people in Ternopil. A source told AFP that the draft plan would require Kyiv to cede territory Russia controls and reduce its army to 400,000 personnel. It would also force Ukraine to abandon long-range weapons, echoing Moscow’s long-standing demands. Ukrainian officials fear the proposal would amount to surrender.
The initiative surfaced as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to reopen dialogue with US President Donald Trump’s administration during a visit to Turkey. However, a senior American envoy expected to accompany him did not attend. Ukrainian officials said it remains unclear whether the proposal reflects Trump’s position or that of his advisers.
At the same time, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll arrived in Kyiv with a Pentagon delegation. They met Ukrainian defence leaders to explore ways of strengthening Ukraine’s military position.
The strike on Ternopil, far from the front line, devastated residential buildings and left dozens injured. Zelensky condemned the attack, while UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed shock at the civilian toll. With winter approaching and Russian forces advancing, Ukraine hopes Washington can apply pressure on Moscow to return to negotiations.
