Tough Decisions Ahead For Ukraine Over Trump Peace Proposal

Vladimir Putin began the invasion with a massive troop deployment, expecting a swift move into Kyiv and a rapid change in Ukraine’s leadership. Those expectations didn’t materialise, and over three years later, the conflict continues. International media has now been given a look at a 28-point US draft peace plan, reportedly shared by a Ukrainian official. The proposal, which hasn’t been made public, was shown to President Zelenskyy and has drawn criticism for being seen as overly accommodating to Russia.

Trump’s plan for Ukraine focuses on confirming the country’s independence and establishing a strong non-aggression agreement with Russia and Europe. It also promises solid security protections for Kyiv and suggests holding snap elections within 100 days. Under the plan, Ukraine’s military would be capped at 600,000 troops, and NATO would commit to not placing its forces on Ukrainian soil. There will also be global support to help rebuild Ukraine and a gradual return of Russia to the world economy. Sanctions would be lifted slowly, step by step, and only after careful review.

Also, Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk would be acknowledged as effectively under Russian control, including by the U.S. Russia would give up other areas it holds outside these regions. Ukrainian forces would pull back from parts of Donetsk they currently occupy, creating a neutral, demilitarised buffer zone officially recognised as Russian territory. The deal would carry legal weight and be supervised by a Peace Council headed by Donald Trump, with sanctions for any breaches. Once everyone signs on, the ceasefire would kick in immediately as both sides pull back to their designated positions to begin carrying out the agreement.

On Friday, President Zelensky warned that Ukraine could lose important U.S. support because of a White House plan to end the war with Russia. He said the country might face a tough choice between keeping its dignity or keeping a key partner, calling it one of the hardest moments in Ukraine’s history. Zelensky said that he will discuss the proposals with Ukraine’s European allies. European leaders have not publicly responded to the 28-point plan, but they have reportedly made it clear that they would not support any proposal that forces Ukraine to give up significant concessions. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the proposal on Friday, suggesting it “could serve as the foundation for a final peace deal” if the US succeeds in getting Ukraine and its European partners on board.

Ukrainian civil society has largely rejected the plan, calling it one-sided and almost a surrender. The criticism comes as Zelenskyy faces intense domestic pressure following a corruption scandal involving his former business partner and two ministers. Experts have warned that the 28-point plan is unclear and vague, with terms that are difficult to enforce and could lead to months of disputes over implementation.