The Trump-Putin Peace Plan: Severe concessions for Ukraine… A major gain for Russia
A senior US official confirmed Thursday that Washington has presented a proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering security guarantees to Kyiv comparable to NATO’s protections.
The plan outlines sweeping concessions by Ukraine and major political gains for Russia.
The proposal requires Ukraine to amend its constitution to formally renounce NATO membership. NATO, in turn, would pledge not to deploy troops on Ukrainian soil, though European fighter jets would be stationed in neighboring Poland to provide defensive cover.
Territorial Concessions and Frozen Battle Lines
Under the draft, Russia would retain all territories it currently occupies and gain additional areas still under Ukrainian control.
The plan states that Crimea, annexed in 2014, as well as the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, would be recognized as de facto Russian territory, even by the United States.
Ukrainian forces would withdraw from the remaining parts of Donetsk they still control.
Frontlines in the partially occupied Kherson and Zaporizhia regions would be frozen at current positions.
In exchange, Moscow would relinquish only small pockets of newly captured land in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk.
These terms amount to Ukraine ceding the entirety of eastern Donbas—including major cities such as Donetsk, Mariupol, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Severodonetsk, and Lysychansk—along with Crimea and parts of southern Ukraine.
Security Guarantees and Limits on Ukraine’s Military
In return, the US and European allies would extend reliable security guarantees to Ukraine, committing to respond to any future attack. Ukraine’s armed forces, however, would be capped at 600,000 personnel, significantly fewer than current levels.
The plan also prohibits any foreign troops from entering Ukraine, effectively ruling out international peacekeeping missions by France, the UK, or others.
Economic Provisions and Russia’s Global Reintegration
A major economic component involves $100 billion in frozen Russian assets, as these funds would be directed toward reconstruction and investment in Ukraine through US-led projects, with half of the benefits going to Washington.
The proposal also opens discussions on lifting sanctions and reintegrating Russia into the global economy.
It even references the possibility of Russia rejoining the Group of Eight (G8), from which it was expelled after seizing Crimea in 2014.
Political Conditions in Ukraine
Kyiv would be required to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 100 days of signing the agreement, a condition echoing long-standing Russian demands and interpreted by many Ukrainians as pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky to step aside.
Kyiv’s Reaction: Alarm and Rejection
Public sentiment in Ukraine on Friday was dominated by the word “Surrender” as in many officials view, the plan is a direct threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukraine’s deputy UN representative Kristina Hayovshyn reiterated that the country’s borders are “non-negotiable,” insisting Kyiv will never recognize Russian control over its territory.
“Our land isn’t for sale,” she said.
President Zelensky confirmed he has reviewed the plan and is consulting with Washington and European partners.
He met with a US military delegation led by Defense Secretary Dan Driscoll, who is expected to travel to Moscow next to continue discussions.
Analysts warn that Zelensky’s negotiating position may be weakened by recent corruption scandals involving figures close to his administration.
A Deal Reshaping the Region
If implemented, the proposal would fundamentally alter Ukraine’s sovereignty, cementing the loss of Crimea and Donbas and forcing Kyiv into permanent neutrality—long sought by Moscow.
In exchange, Russia would gain significant international legitimacy and a pathway out of sanctions.
The US administration portrays the plan as reasonable and viable, but for many in Ukraine, it represents the most far-reaching concession package proposed since the war began.
