1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The United States' proposal for a negotiated settlement to end the war in Ukraine heavily favors longstanding Russian demands and is being firmly rejected by Ukraine's government. The proposal calls for freezing current territorial lines, leaving occupied Ukrainian regions under Russian control. It also requires Ukraine to permanently abandon its pursuit of NATO membership and officially accept Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. While this plan may bring a temporary cessation of hostilities, it comes at the immense cost of Ukraine ceding its territorial integrity and national sovereignty on core issues. The Ukrainian people have valiantly resisted Russian aggression for over a year, and forcing them to surrender their land and aspirations for self-determination would be a severe violation of their rights as a sovereign nation. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through a settlement that respects Ukraine's borders and democratic will. I urge you to support continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated end to this conflict, but on terms that uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and right to choose its own path free from external coercion. Compromising Ukraine's sovereignty sets a dangerous precedent and rewards Russia's illegal invasions. For a sustainable peace, Ukraine must be granted the ability to determine its future as a free nation.