The Trump administration dropped a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine on Thursday, instantly sending both Kyiv and Moscow into cautious, uncomfortable territory. The proposal, crafted by envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio with input from Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, was delivered first to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umarov, who made a few tweaks before passing it to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Umarov later tried to downplay his involvement, insisting he simply coordinated discussions.
Zelensky then turned to Europe’s big three — France, the U.K., and Germany — and also spoke with Vice President JD Vance. President Trump publicly said he hoped for a clear response before Thanksgiving but was willing to extend the deadline if needed.
Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump didn’t sugarcoat the current situation. Ukraine, he said, is “losing land” and suffering “massive casualties.” He praised Ukraine’s defenders as brave, but warned the country could “lose in a short period of time” if it refuses to negotiate.
According to widespread U.S. media reports, the plan would require Ukraine to surrender the eastern Donbass territory currently occupied by Russia, plus formally relinquish Crimea. Ukraine would also cap its military at 600,000 troops and permanently renounce NATO membership — a bitter pill given how popular NATO entry is among Ukrainians.
The plan also addresses the massive Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: Russia would withdraw, Ukraine would assume control, but half of the plant’s power would be supplied to Russia. In exchange, Ukraine would receive guarantees of sovereignty, a pledge of non-aggression from Moscow, and near-NATO-level security assurances. It would also get major international reconstruction aid, including $100 billion taken from frozen Russian assets.
Several points immediately infuriated Ukrainian officials: giving up land Russia doesn’t currently control, shrinking the army by a quarter, the inclusion of a ban on “Nazi ideology,” and the surprisingly generous perks for Russia — such as rejoining the G7. Many Ukrainians simply don’t trust any Russian promises, citing a long pattern of broken commitments.
On Friday, Zelensky addressed the nation with a speech that sounded both defiant and cornered. He hinted that the deal may be humiliating but suggested Ukraine must at least appear open to diplomacy.
He called for unity and an end to political infighting, even referencing the sweeping corruption scandals plaguing his government. “Our people, citizens, politicians, everyone — we need to get together. Come to our senses. Stop the bullshit,” he said.
He insisted Ukraine cannot be painted as unwilling to negotiate, signaling he will not outright reject the plan.
European leaders were clearly irritated that they were cut out of the drafting. While they didn’t explicitly oppose the plan, they pushed back against the idea of limiting Ukraine’s military and stressed that anything impacting Europe or NATO must be approved collectively.
A statement from Germany praised U.S. efforts but subtly reminded Washington that Europe expects to be in the room for decisions of this magnitude.
Meanwhile, Moscow played its usual game of mixed messages. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked Ukraine’s shrinking “room for decision-making” as it continues losing territory. Later, Putin said the U.S. plan was based on conversations he had with Trump in Alaska and confirmed Moscow has received the full document, though it has not yet been analyzed “in detail.” He suggested it could form the basis of a final settlement.
During a meeting with his security council, Putin said Russia is willing to show “flexibility” — while in the same breath insisting Russia can still achieve all its goals militarily. In other words, classic Putin: one hand extended, the other still gripping the trigger.
