Russian forces are reporting new territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions as the US ramped up intensive diplomatic pressure on Ukraine to accept its proposed 28-point plan, Al Jazeera reported.
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced the capture of several settlements, including the village of Zvanivka near Bakhmut in Donetsk and the Novoe Zaporozhye area, which contains a significant enemy defence position spanning over 14 square kilometres, TASS reported.
These advances form part of Russia’s ongoing westward offensive aimed at seizing control of the Donbas region, including critical logistics hubs like Pokrovsk.
What is US’ 28-point peace plan?
The US-backed 28-point peace plan for Ukraine aims to end the ongoing conflict largely on terms favourable to Russia. Key elements of the proposal include recognition of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian territories, while freezing the frontline in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine would be required to withdraw from parts of Donetsk, establishing a demilitarized neutral zone that Russia would not enter.
The plan mandates a cap on the Ukrainian military size at 6,00,000 personnel, a reduction from its current strength of around 8,00,000.
Ukraine would also agree to never join NATO and would conduct elections within 100 days of the agreement. In return, Ukraine would receive security guarantees from the US.
Ukraine retaliates
Ukraine retaliated to Russia’s attack and launched Isk-M ballistic missiles from Crimea, deploying over 100 drones to target Russian positions, Al Jazeera reported.
Ukraine reported intercepting the majority of these drones, while Russian forces claimed to have shot down several Ukrainian drones over Crimea.
The conflict intensifies as winter approaches, raising concerns over impacts on military operations and critical infrastructure.
EU pushes back against US’ plan
Western leaders have expressed unease about territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s military capabilities, emphasising that any settlement must respect Ukrainian sovereignty and be reached with Ukraine’s full consent.
European leaders attending the G20 summit underscored the necessity of Ukraine’s unconditional agreement to any peace terms.
Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, with Ukrainian officials meeting US counterparts in Switzerland to discuss future steps. Russian officials signal ongoing communications but have not ruled out the possibility of further talks.