US Peace Proposal Sparks Fierce Backlash from Ukraine and European Allies
The Trump administration's plan to bring an end to the war in Ukraine has been met with swift resistance from Ukrainian officials and several of its European allies. The proposal, which was shared privately with Ukrainian officials in recent days, includes significant concessions that have raised eyebrows among Kyiv's leaders.
According to sources, the plan calls for a substantial reduction in Ukraine's military capabilities, a rejection of certain long-range weapons, and acceptance of Russian control over occupied territories. Perhaps most notably, it would require Ukraine to withdraw from nearly 14% of its territory that is currently outside of Russian control – an area that would be designated as a demilitarized zone.
Not everyone has been supportive of the plan, however. Ukrainian MP Iryna Gerashchenko described it as "absurd" and "unconditional capitulation," suggesting that it amounts to an offer Kyiv cannot refuse. Similarly, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that "peace cannot be capitulation," emphasizing that Ukraine must not be forced into concessions.
European leaders have also expressed their disapproval, with Poland's Radosław Sikorski stating that the EU is the main supporter of Ukraine and noting that none of its governments were involved in drafting the proposal. The EU's Kaja Kallas warned that any viable plan would require both Ukrainian and European backing, adding that there has been no "concession from the Russian side" thus far.
The Trump administration's peace proposal comes at a tumultuous time for Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting political pressure at home. A corruption probe involving several members of his inner circle is ongoing, and tensions with Russia continue to escalate on the front lines.
As the fourth year of the war draws to a close, diplomatic efforts like this latest proposal will be closely watched for their potential to bring about lasting peace – or exacerbate existing divisions.
The Trump administration's plan to bring an end to the war in Ukraine has been met with swift resistance from Ukrainian officials and several of its European allies. The proposal, which was shared privately with Ukrainian officials in recent days, includes significant concessions that have raised eyebrows among Kyiv's leaders.
According to sources, the plan calls for a substantial reduction in Ukraine's military capabilities, a rejection of certain long-range weapons, and acceptance of Russian control over occupied territories. Perhaps most notably, it would require Ukraine to withdraw from nearly 14% of its territory that is currently outside of Russian control – an area that would be designated as a demilitarized zone.
Not everyone has been supportive of the plan, however. Ukrainian MP Iryna Gerashchenko described it as "absurd" and "unconditional capitulation," suggesting that it amounts to an offer Kyiv cannot refuse. Similarly, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that "peace cannot be capitulation," emphasizing that Ukraine must not be forced into concessions.
European leaders have also expressed their disapproval, with Poland's Radosław Sikorski stating that the EU is the main supporter of Ukraine and noting that none of its governments were involved in drafting the proposal. The EU's Kaja Kallas warned that any viable plan would require both Ukrainian and European backing, adding that there has been no "concession from the Russian side" thus far.
The Trump administration's peace proposal comes at a tumultuous time for Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting political pressure at home. A corruption probe involving several members of his inner circle is ongoing, and tensions with Russia continue to escalate on the front lines.
As the fourth year of the war draws to a close, diplomatic efforts like this latest proposal will be closely watched for their potential to bring about lasting peace – or exacerbate existing divisions.