US Proposes Land Cession for Ukraine Amid Deadly Russian Strikes

A new peace proposal from the United States suggests that Ukraine might need to cede territory and significantly reduce its military forces, according to a source who spoke with AFP on March 15, 2024. This development comes as a Russian missile attack in the western city of Ternopil resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including three children, marking a tragic escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The proposed U.S. initiative reportedly aligns with Russia’s earlier demands for peace, which Ukraine has consistently rejected as unacceptable capitulation. The missile strike in Ternopil, located far from the front lines, is one of the deadliest assaults on western Ukraine since the onset of the war in 2022.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, attempted to engage the U.S. in the peace process during a surprise visit to Turkey, but his efforts fell short when an expected American envoy did not accompany him. The draft proposal suggests recognition of Crimea and other territories currently occupied by Russia, along with a reduction of Ukraine’s military to 400,000 personnel and the relinquishment of all long-range weaponry. The source expressed uncertainty about whether these terms reflect the views of Donald Trump or his advisors, and what concessions might be expected from Russia in return.

In a related development, Daniel Driscoll, the U.S. Army Secretary, arrived in Kyiv leading a high-profile Pentagon delegation to discuss potential resolutions to the conflict. Driscoll met with Denys Shmygal, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. American media outlets, including CBS News, have suggested that Moscow and Washington have been quietly exploring options to end the nearly four-year war. The Kremlin has refrained from commenting on these reports, asserting that there are no new developments in the peace talks.

As the situation in Ternopil unfolded, rescuers worked tirelessly to clear rubble from buildings hit by cruise missiles. Witnesses reported hearing explosions at around 07:00 local time, with thick smoke rising from the streets. The state emergency service confirmed 26 fatalities and 92 injuries, including 18 children. Zelensky condemned the attack, noting that many victims were simply enjoying a peaceful morning at home.

Oksana, a resident of Ternopil, shared her anguish as she awaited news of her son, who remained unaccounted for after the strike. “I called him and said, ‘Bohdan, get dressed and come out,’” she recounted, her voice heavy with despair. “He said: ‘Mum, don’t worry, everything will be fine.’ But it was too late.” Her sister, Natalia Bachinska, lamented that their apartment was completely destroyed, leaving the family fractured by the tragedy.

The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, expressed horror at the civilian casualties resulting from the attack, emphasizing the devastating impact of Russia’s military actions on innocent lives. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, criticized the situation, stating, “This is how Russia’s ‘peace plans’ look in reality.”

The missile attack coincided with a broader offensive against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches, further straining the country’s military resources. Zelensky’s visit to Turkey aimed to reinvigorate U.S. involvement in peace negotiations. However, the absence of Russian officials at the talks and the lack of a U.S. envoy diminished prospects for progress. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged both parties to return to the negotiating table in Istanbul, though previous discussions this year yielded limited results.

Zelensky remarked on the urgent need for peace while reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to prisoner exchanges with Russia. As winter looms and the conflict continues, Kyiv hopes Washington can exert pressure on Moscow to engage in negotiations and possibly impose further sanctions.

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with Russian forces making incremental advances on the battlefield. The war, which has now lasted almost four years, shows no signs of abating, underscoring the challenges ahead for both Ukraine and its allies in seeking a resolution.