US Draft Peace Plan for Ukraine Suggests Major Concessions as Russian Strike Kills 26 in Ternopil

A controversial new US peace proposal for Ukraine would require Kyiv to cede occupied territories and slash its military by more than half, a source familiar with the draft told AFP on Wednesday, even as a Russian missile strike in western Ukraine killed 26 people, including three children.

The reported terms—mirroring Russia’s long-standing maximalist demands—have been repeatedly rejected by Kyiv as tantamount to surrender.

The surprise initiative surfaced just hours after Russian cruise missiles struck the western city of Ternopil, far from active front lines, in one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the war began in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s attempt to re-engage the administration of US President Donald Trump during an unannounced visit to Türkiye appeared to falter when an American envoy believed to be joining him failed to travel.

A Deal Echoing Russia’s Demands

According to the source, the draft US plan calls for the “recognition of Crimea and other regions that the Russians have taken,” a dramatic reduction of Ukraine’s armed forces to 400,000 personnel, and the surrender of all long-range weapons.

“An important nuance is that we don’t understand whether this is really Trump’s story or that of his entourage,” the official said, adding that it remained “unclear” what concessions Russia would be expected to make in return.

At the same time, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll arrived in Kyiv at the head of a high-level Pentagon delegation to meet Ukrainian officials and explore possible paths toward ending the conflict, CBS News reported. Driscoll held talks Wednesday with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmygal.

The US outlet Axios previously reported that Washington and Moscow had been quietly exploring a settlement plan. The Kremlin later said there was nothing new in the reported peace efforts. AFP has requested White House comment.

Russia currently occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, much of it devastated by fighting.

‘Too Late’: Ternopil Residents Search for Loved Ones

In Ternopil, AFP reporters witnessed rescuers combing through the smoking ruins of Soviet-era apartment blocks after missiles struck at around 7:00 am (0500 GMT). Thick grey smoke blanketed the area as cranes hoisted emergency workers toward mangled upper floors.

Authorities warned residents to stay indoors after the fires caused chlorine levels in the air to spike to six times above normal.

Wrapped in a pink blanket, 46-year-old Oksana waited for news about her missing 20-year-old son, Bohdan.

“I called him and said, ‘Bohdan, get dressed and come out.’ He said: ‘Mum, don’t worry, everything will be fine.’ But it was too late,” she said quietly. Her nephew remained unaccounted for as well. “Their apartment is completely gone.”

The State Emergency Service said 26 people—including three children—were killed, and 92 others injured.

“These were people who were simply at home, peacefully sleeping,” Zelensky said, noting that rescuers were still searching for survivors.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk said he was “appalled” by the civilian toll. “The horror of powerful long-range missiles combined with waves of drones… was again painfully laid bare this morning,” he said.

“This is how Russia’s ‘peace plans’ look in reality,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha added.

Winter Nears, Pressure Mounts

The deadly strike hit as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of the winter cold, and as overstretched Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure along the front.

Kyiv had promoted Zelensky’s sudden trip to Türkiye as an effort to revive US involvement in potential peace initiatives. But Steve Witkoff, the Trump envoy expected to join the discussions, did not travel. No Russian officials attended either.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged both sides to resume talks in Istanbul, where limited negotiations this year produced only prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of soldiers’ remains.

Zelensky said he hoped to restart POW swaps with Russia before year’s end, but stressed that Ukraine’s main hope was for Washington to pressure Moscow into genuine negotiations—including through tougher sanctions.

On the battlefield, Russian forces continue slow but consistent advances, while Moscow insists it will keep fighting unless Kyiv accepts its conditions.

“The war must end, there is no alternative to peace,” Zelensky said in Ankara.