In a significant diplomatic development, officials from the Trump administration have unveiled a comprehensive 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This strategic framework, which has been shared publicly by a Ukrainian opposition politician and confirmed by a White House official, outlines several controversial requirements, including Ukraine's relinquishing of its eastern Donbas region and Crimea, as well as an assurance to refrain from joining NATO.
This 28-point plan is the latest working document produced by the Trump administration, taking into account feedback from both Russian and Ukrainian officials. While negotiations are currently underway, it remains uncertain if both parties will agree to the terms outlined. Diplomatic conversations are ongoing, and further modifications are under discussion, according to multiple sources.
Notably, while some European governments were aware that the U.S. was crafting a proposal, they were not directly involved in its drafting and had not been briefed on its specifics as of Thursday. This lack of transparency raises questions about international collaboration in resolving the conflict.
The plan emerged following recent meetings between U.S. officials and representatives from both Russia and Ukraine. On October 24, President Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, engaged with Kirill Dmitriev, a key advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Miami to discuss the framework. Additionally, the plan was presented to Rustem Umerov, a senior member of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's administration.
In a recent meeting with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv, Zelenskyy was briefed on the proposed plan, which he later described as America's vision for ending the war. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's core principles during the discussion, and both sides expressed a commitment to further refine the plan's provisions.
The proposed peace plan stipulates that an immediate ceasefire would come into effect if both parties agree to its terms. Under the current framework, Ukraine would be expected to concede significant portions of its territory, including the eastern oblasts of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, which would be officially recognized as de facto Russian territory. This territorial concession poses a significant challenge for Ukraine, given Zelenskyy's long-standing refusal to acknowledge Russian control over Crimea.
The plan further suggests that Ukrainian-held areas in the Donbas region would also be ceded to Russia, although designated as a neutral buffer zone devoid of Russian military presence. This aspect of the proposal could prove contentious for Ukraine, as it essentially solidifies Russian territorial gains.
Additionally, the plan requires Ukraine to limit its military size to 600,000 personnel, a notable decrease from the current military strength of approximately 880,000. Furthermore, Ukraine would be prohibited from joining NATO, necessitating constitutional changes to reflect this commitment. The implications of this restriction are profound, as Ukraine has long sought NATO membership for enhanced security against potential aggression.
While NATO would agree not to accept Ukraine into the alliance or deploy troops on its soil, the plan does affirm Ukraine's right to pursue membership in the European Union, alongside access to the European market. This aspect of the proposal could serve as a counterbalance to the restrictions imposed on Ukraine's NATO aspirations.
One of the pivotal components of the peace plan is a U.S. guarantee of security in the event of a renewed Russian invasion. This guarantee would entail a coordinated military response and the reinstatement of sanctions against Russia should it violate the agreement. However, the plan also includes provisions for lifting sanctions in a phased manner, contingent upon compliance with the terms of the agreement.
The economic recovery plan outlined in the proposal aims to address the extensive damage caused by the prolonged conflict, with a focus on reconstructing Ukrainian cities and revitalizing its economy. The plan incorporates the investment of $100 billion in frozen Russian assets into Ukraine, with additional support from European nations.
The overall implementation of the peace plan would be overseen by a Peace Council, to be chaired by President Trump. This body would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the agreement, which includes provisions for a non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, as well as the extension of existing U.S.-Russia arms control treaties.
Additional elements of the plan encompass educational initiatives to combat racial prejudice, the return of civilian detainees, and the reinstatement of Russia into the Group of Eight, from which it was expelled following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
In conclusion, while the 28-point peace plan presents a possible pathway to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it introduces a series of contentious demands that could challenge both Ukrainian and international acceptance. The evolving diplomatic landscape continues to unfold, with global attention keenly focused on the negotiations ahead.