France Calls Reported US–Russia Peace Draft a 'Capitulation' for Ukraine

France has sharply criticized a reported US–Russia draft peace proposal, calling it a “capitulation” that would effectively force Ukraine to make major territorial and security concessions to Russia.

According to reports, a 28‑point plan drawn up by American and Russian envoys — reportedly without Kyiv’s involvement — would require Ukraine to cede control of parts of the east, dramatically reduce the size of its armed forces, and accept restrictions on foreign military support and certain categories of weaponry.

French reaction

"Peace cannot mean capitulation. We do not want the capitulation of Ukraine," said Jean‑Noël Barrot, speaking for France.

European leaders responded with alarm. Estonia’s prime minister, Kaja Kallas, arriving at a European meeting in Brussels, warned that the draft would dominate discussions and divert attention from efforts to pressure Russia economically, including on energy exports. Kallas emphasized that any plan must include Ukraine and European partners to be credible.

What the reports say

The draft reportedly would:

• Return de facto control of parts of the eastern Donbas to Russia under a ceasefire arrangement;
• Cut Ukraine’s armed forces roughly in half and prohibit certain long‑range weapon systems;
• Prohibit deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, end US military assistance, and restrict foreign diplomatic flights into the country;
• Grant the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church an official status in occupied territories; and
• Allow Ukraine to seek security guarantees from the US and European governments to help sustain any ceasefire.

Ukrainian and allied responses

Kyiv rejected the reported terms. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he will not surrender the mineral‑rich Donbas and its fortified cities, calling territorial concessions tantamount to capitulation.

European officials said any negotiations must start from a ceasefire and involve Ukraine as an equal party. A UK government spokesperson reiterated that only the Ukrainian people can determine their country’s future and that any peace must be both just and durable.

Polish politician Radek Sikorski urged that restrictions be placed on the aggressor’s military capabilities rather than limiting the victim’s ability to defend itself. Lithuania’s foreign minister, Kestutis Budrys, said he welcomed US engagement on ideas to end the war and saw discussion as preferable to inaction.

Diplomatic posture and Kremlin response

The Kremlin said any lasting settlement would need to address the root causes of the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm whether President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the reported draft and said there were no formal negotiations with Washington on such a deal.

A senior US Pentagon delegation led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll arrived in Kyiv to meet Ukrainian leaders amid the controversy.

Senator Marco Rubio defended efforts to develop a range of ideas, saying durable peace may require difficult concessions from both sides and that exploring options is part of diplomacy.

Outlook

European capitals have demanded that any peace initiative be just, durable and inclusive of Ukraine and its European partners. The emergence of the draft has intensified debates over the correct approach to securing an end to the war while preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty.