The draft proposal of a security guarantee for Ukraine provides assurances modeled on NATO's Article 5, according to text released on Friday by an Axios reporter.
The deal, which would be valid for 10 years upon signing, states that "a significant, deliberate, and sustained armed attack" by Russia across the armistice line would be considered an attack threatening transatlantic peace. NATO members would commit to act in concert with the United States in responding to any qualifying violation, the text said.
The 28-point peace plan draft seen by Axios would force Kyiv to give up more territory in eastern Ukraine, limit its military, and formally agree to never join NATO. A Ukrainian official, a US official, and a third source familiar with the proposal verified the draft's contents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that Kyiv would not agree to any deal that would force it to concede territory.
Axios: 'Not an easy plan' for Ukraine to accept
An administration official told Axios that the plan was "not easy" for Ukraine to accept, but added that the US believes that if the war does not end soon, Ukraine will lose more territory than it already has.
US officials reportedly expect an answer from Ukraine in the coming days. While the US views the proposal as a living document that can be altered during negotiations with any party, Zelensky said it leaves Ukrainians with "life without freedom, without dignity, without justice."
"This is one of the most difficult moments in our history," Zelensky said in a Friday video address. "The pressure on Ukraine is now among the heaviest. Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice: the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner."
He added that Ukraine would face an "extremely harsh winter" if he turns the offer down. Two sources told Axios that Zelensky is expected to sign by Thanksgiving.
However, the US administration has invited him to Washington to negotiate, which he appeared to be amenable to.
"I will provide arguments, I will persuade, propose alternatives."
The plan, drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff with input from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was reportedly run by senior Kremlin advisor Kirill Dmitriev. Dimitriev told Axios that Russia was optimistic about the plan because he feels that "the Russian position is really being heard."