President Donald Trump has unveiled a 28-point plan aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept terms heavily favoring Moscow. Trump argues that Zelenskyy “doesn’t have the cards” to continue fighting and must consider a settlement.

Trump said Friday that he expects Zelenskyy to respond by next Thursday, emphasizing his desire to achieve peace. However, reports emerged that senators were told by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the plan largely reflects Russian demands rather than U.S. positions, though the State Department and Rubio later insisted it was U.S.-authored.

Proposed Ukraine peace deal leaves Kyiv navigating a fragile balance between the U.S. and Russia

Zelenskyy faces multiple pressures, including battlefield setbacks, winter energy attacks from Russia, and a corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector, which has led to ministerial resignations. Analysts say these factors put him in a vulnerable position.

The Trump plan calls for Ukraine to cede the eastern Donbas region, drastically reduce its military, and for Europe to affirm that Ukraine will never join NATO. The proposal also includes cultural concessions that could bolster Russian claims of historical legitimacy.

While U.S. officials describe the plan as a starting point for negotiations, experts warn that many provisions undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and public trust. Zelenskyy has not yet spoken with Trump about the plan but is expected to in the coming days.

Source: AP