US Peace Plan: 5 Key Obstacles Threatening Negotiations.

According to ТСН: Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have entered the stage of discussing specific documents. Following the publication of the American draft peace plan, which initially consisted of 28 points, Kyiv and Washington began intensive consultations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the number of points had been reduced to 20, and the most controversial demands had been removed; however, the document remains far from final agreement.

Analysts and Ukrainian officials highlight five critical obstacles that could block any agreement.

1. Territorial Issue: Deadlock in Donetsk Region

Russia stubbornly demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territories of the Donetsk region currently controlled by Ukraine. Despite pressure from the USA, which seeks to accelerate a ceasefire, Ukraine views this as unacceptable both legally and morally. President Zelenskyy emphasizes that any retreat would only facilitate further infiltration of Russian forces disguised as civilians. Russia threatens to continue its offensive on 'historical lands' if appropriate diplomatic concessions are not made.

2. NATO Membership and the Constitution

Moscow demands Ukraine renounces its NATO membership, which contradicts the Ukrainian Constitution. Zelenskyy stresses that only the Ukrainian people have the right to determine the country's course, and amending the constitution requires 300 votes in parliament, which are not available at this time. Experts note that attempts to impose a non-aligned status could provoke internal protests and destabilize the country, which is what the Kremlin seeks.

3. Military Cap Limitations

One of the most contentious demands is the attempt to limit the number of Ukrainian military personnel. The initial proposal of 600,000 was revised to 800,000 to reflect the real state of affairs in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, Ukrainian diplomats, including Valeriy Chaly, note that any external restrictions on military structure constitute a violation of sovereignty. Ukraine aims to exit the war without additional obligations regarding its own defense.

4. Language and Cultural Influence

Russia demands the return of the status of the Russian language in education and media, which Kyiv sees as an attempt to restore tools of misinformation and external influence. Sociological data indicate changing preferences: while in 2019 only 8% of Ukrainians supported the removal of the Russian language from schools, this figure has now risen to 58%. The authorities view these Russian demands as a threat to internal stability.

5. Control over Zaporizhzhia NPP

The issue of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe remains unresolved. The US proposal for 'shared control' between Ukraine and Russia provokes outrage in Kyiv. The plan lacks details about the complete demilitarization of the facility, sources of funding for repairs, and security guarantees for Ukrainian personnel under occupation.

Risks of Internal Destabilization

Experts warn that the government’s agreement to humiliating concessions that contradict the Constitution could lead to social unrest and protests. Political scientist Oleksiy Haran notes that such a scenario would only strengthen Putin's position in his desire to dominate Ukraine through internal chaos.

Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual 'Direct Line' to reaffirm his commitment to achieving all military objectives in Ukraine.

Earlier reports from American intelligence stated that Putin has no intention of stopping at Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. His goal is to control all of Ukraine and reclaim territories of the former USSR under Moscow’s control.

Thus, negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the conflict remain complex and tense. All participants in the process understand that every step depends not only on Ukraine's future but also on stability in the region. Diplomatic efforts, despite all difficulties, continue, as no side wants significant losses as a result of military operations.