Ukraine is facing yet another major challenge in its fight to preserve its borders, its land and its people. The military battle continues as it has since 2014, intensifying sharply in 2022. The latest challenge is the emergence of a new US-Russia framework to end the war – a proposal that has left observers perplexed and many Ukrainians stunned. The plan appears to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory, surrendering arms and downsize its armed forces to placate Vladimir Putin's Russia. It would also reportedly impose cultural concessions, including the suppression of the Ukrainian language in favour of Russian. Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s close adviser on global affairs, met with Putin aide Kiril Dmitriev in Miami last month to discuss the plan.

Produced by Rebecca Gnignati, Elisa Amiri, Ilayda Habip.