Ukrainian soldiers reacted strongly to the leaked 28-point US peace plan. They spoke to the BBC about the proposals. In eastern Ukraine, soldier Yaroslav said, “It sucks…no one will support it.” Another medic, call sign “Shtutser,” called it “absolutely disgraceful” and “unworthy of our attention.”

Donbas Proposal Sparks Outrage

The plan asks Ukraine to give up the Donbas region, including Luhansk and Donetsk. This area is a key goal for Russia.

Soldier Snake told the BBC, “Let them take it. There’s practically no one left in the cities and villages… We’re not fighting for the people but for the land, while losing more people.”

Officer Andrii called the proposal “painful and difficult” but admitted Ukraine may have limited options.

Soldier Matros, fighting since 2018, said giving up Donbas would “nullify everything—all the efforts of the armed forces.”

Military Limits Draw Criticism

The plan also suggests limiting Ukraine’s army to 600,000 troops. Snake argued Ukraine will need its soldiers to rebuild after the war.

He asked, “What’s the point of having so many people in the army if there will be security guarantees?”

The BBC noted that 600,000 is larger than pre-war strength of 250,000 but smaller than the current estimated force of 800,000.

Ukraine’s Counterplan

Ukraine and its European partners insist talks with Russia can only begin after fighting stops along the current front lines, according to Bloomberg.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the plan included input from Russia and earlier points from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s negotiator Rustem Umerov said the latest draft “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities.” He added, “The current version of the document, although still in the final stages of approval, already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities.”