Nearly three years into the Russia–Ukraine war, a peace proposal reportedly drafted by US President Donald Trump has sparked intense global discussion. The 28-point framework, leaked during the US Army Secretary’s visit to Ukraine, has not been officially released, but multiple international media outlets have confirmed its contents through credible sources.
What makes this proposal controversial is that several of its conditions closely resemble long-standing demands made by Russian President Vladimir Putin—territorial concessions by Ukraine, a reduced military, and a permanent withdrawal from NATO ambitions. This has raised a crucial question: is this truly a peace plan, or a structured blueprint for Ukraine’s surrender?
Was the Proposal Aligned with Russia’s Agenda?
According to reports, the draft proposes sweeping changes to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security posture. The most debated aspects align strongly with Russia’s key strategic objectives:
• Halting NATO expansion and permanently blocking Ukraine from joining the alliance
• Preventing deployment of Western weapons near the Russia–Ukraine border
• Reversing NATO’s military presence back to its 1997 posture
While these points may not be explicitly written in the 28-point document, analysts say their meaning is unmistakable.
What Concessions Are Proposed?
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Major Territorial Losses: Crimea and Donbas to Russia
The most sensitive requirement is that Ukraine must formally recognize full Russian control over Crimea. Areas of Donetsk and Luhansk still held by Ukraine would also be ceded—amounting to around 14.5 percent of Ukraine’s land. Battle lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson would be frozen, effectively making current Russian occupations permanent. This reflects Moscow’s long-term demand to secure influence across Ukraine’s southern and eastern regions. -
Donbas to Become a Demilitarized Zone
The proposal suggests that neither Ukraine nor Russia would station troops in Donbas. An international peacekeeping force may be deployed—something that would favor Russia by creating a buffer zone under global oversight. -
Sharp Reduction in Ukraine’s Military
Ukraine’s armed forces would be reduced by nearly 60 percent, capped at 600,000 troops. Ukrainian defense experts argue this would leave the nation heavily dependent on foreign security guarantees. Some reports claim restrictions on long-range missiles and other advanced weaponry are also included. -
Permanent NATO Ban
Ukraine would be required to amend its constitution to ensure it never seeks NATO membership. In turn, NATO would also pledge that its forces will not enter Ukrainian territory. This is one of Putin’s oldest and most uncompromising demands.
How Have Ukraine, Russia, and the US Reacted?
In return for these concessions, the US and European allies would provide security guarantees to Ukraine. European fighter jets could be stationed in nearby countries like Poland as part of these assurances.
The Kremlin has denied any knowledge of such a proposal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly shown initial openness but emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial borders are not negotiable. The White House has not officially endorsed or confirmed the draft. Meanwhile, several European nations have reacted with surprise, viewing the proposal as a pressure tactic directed at Ukraine rather than a balanced peace initiative.
