Russian Duma Member Rejects US Peace Plan, Demands 'Full Military Victory'

Russian Official Dismisses US Proposal

A senior member of Russia's State Duma has publicly rejected a 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States to end the conflict in Ukraine. Alexei Zhuravlyov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, characterized the proposal as a 'provocation' and contrary to Russia's national interests. Zhuravlyov stated that Russia would only accept a 'full military victory' and 'Ukrainian capitulation' as a definitive end to the war.

According to Zhuravlyov, Washington's objective with the plan is to maintain Ukraine as a persistent strategic threat to Russia. He argued that even a militarily and territorially reduced Ukraine would still pose a significant danger, necessitating a continued Russian military presence on its western borders. He further suggested that the US aims to free up resources for a potential confrontation with China, utilizing Ukraine as a containment tool against Russia.

Details of the US Peace Plan

The 28-point peace plan was reportedly drafted through discussions between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev. Key provisions of the proposed plan, as reported by various sources, include:

• Territorial Concessions: Ukraine would be required to cede territory, including recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, and potentially parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
• Military Limitations: Ukraine would agree to be a non-nuclear state, swear off NATO membership, and significantly reduce the size of its armed forces, potentially by more than half.
• Amnesty: The plan includes provisions for amnesty for all parties involved in the conflict.
• Financial Aspects: It proposes redirecting $100 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction, managed by the US, with an additional $100 billion from Europe.
• Arms Control: The plan also suggests extending US-Russia arms control treaties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on November 21 that he had received the full proposal. While he suggested it could form a basis for future negotiations, he noted that no substantive dialogue had occurred due to Ukraine's non-agreement to the terms. Putin also expressed satisfaction with the current dynamics of the war.

Reactions from Kyiv and Europe

Ukrainian officials have largely viewed the US proposal as a demand for 'capitulation' and a betrayal of the nation's independence. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine faces an extremely difficult choice, stating that agreeing to the plan could leave the country 'without freedom, dignity and justice.' Kyiv has consistently rejected territorial concessions and limitations on its military, insisting on binding security guarantees to prevent future aggression.

European officials, many of whom were reportedly not involved in the drafting of the plan, have also expressed reservations. Some have described elements of the proposal as 'scandalous' and believe it requires 'additional work,' emphasizing that the terms of any agreement are ultimately for Ukraine to decide.