The Trump administration’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine has sparked concern in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning of a “very difficult choice” between dignity and a key partner.
The plan, which would require Ukraine to cede territory in Donetsk and recognize Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as de facto Russian, has been met with skepticism by Ukraine and its European partners.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would cap its armed forces at 600,000 personnel, renounce its bid to join NATO, and halt the bloc’s eastward expansion.
In return, Russia would withdraw from territories it captured outside the five oblasts and pledge not to attack neighboring countries again.
Sanctions on Russia would be lifted, and Ukraine would receive “reliable security guarantees,” though the plan lacks specifics ¹ ².
The proposal mirrors Russia’s long-standing demands, making it challenging for Ukraine to accept. Zelenskyy’s regime faces corruption scandals, and Russia currently controls over 20% of pre-2014 Ukraine.
The situation is further complicated by the great power rivalry between the West and Russia, with trust evaporated and the post-Cold War European security order in disarray.
A peace deal must address the lack of trust and create a new security equilibrium in Europe, considering the reality on the battlefield, Ukraine’s security needs, and Europe’s fears.
While Trump’s plan is imperfect, it offers a structured framework for dialogue involving the U.S., Europe, NATO, Ukraine, and Russia.
