US proposes Ukraine cede territory and some weapons to end war

The United States has signaled to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine should accept a U.S.-drafted framework document aimed at ending the war with Russia, under which Kyiv would give up certain territories and some weapons, Reuters reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Anonymous officials said the proposals, among other measures, include a reduction in the size of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The Financial Times provided additional details: the draft plan envisions Ukraine ceding the remaining parts of Donbas to Russia, including territory currently under Kyiv’s control, and cutting its armed forces by half.

Another provision suggests that Russian should be recognized as an official state language in Ukraine, and that the local diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church be granted official status.