US Peace Proposal Could See Ukraine Ceding Land After Strike Kills 26

A new US peace proposal could require Ukraine to give up land, reduce its army, and give up long-range weapons, as Russia launched a deadly missile strike in western Ukraine that killed 26 people, including three children. The attack struck apartment blocks in the city of Ternopil on Wednesday morning, far from the front line, marking one of the deadliest attacks on western Ukraine since the war began in 2022.

The proposal reportedly mirrors Russia’s maximalist demands to end the war, which Ukraine has consistently rejected as tantamount to surrender. The plan includes recognition of Crimea and other regions controlled by Russia and a reduction of Ukraine’s army to 400,000 troops. It is not clear what Russia would provide in return.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Turkey to try to re-engage the US in the peace process, but a US envoy expected to join him did not travel. Despite this, a high-profile Pentagon delegation led by US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll arrived in Kyiv to meet Ukrainian officials, including Defence Minister Denys Shmygal, to discuss ways to settle the conflict.

Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, described his meeting with the US delegation as “productive,” stressing the importance of strengthening air defenses, expanding long-range strike capabilities, and stabilizing the front line to counter Russian offensives.

Meanwhile, in Ternopil, rescuers searched through rubble after cruise missiles hit apartment buildings. Fires caused chlorine levels in the air to spike, forcing officials to ask the city’s 200,000 residents to stay indoors. Among the victims was 20-year-old Bohdan, who died at home along with 25 others. Another 92 people, including 18 children, were injured. Zelensky called the attack “barbaric,” while UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the civilian casualties as “appalling.”

Russian troops now occupy around a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, and Moscow has made clear it will continue fighting unless Ukraine accepts its demands. Ukraine hopes the US can pressure Russia into negotiations, possibly through sanctions, while continuing efforts to resume prisoner swaps and other humanitarian agreements.

The deadly strike in Ternopil comes as winter approaches, and Ukraine’s energy grid and troops face mounting pressure on the front lines. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged both sides to resume peace talks in Istanbul, where earlier negotiations this year have produced limited results.