The United States has quietly shared a draft of a 28-point proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war — a plan that has triggered intense criticism for demanding major concessions from Ukraine while offering Moscow a path back into global acceptance. Although the document has not been officially released, details shared by a Ukrainian official have raised serious concerns across Kyiv and European capitals.
The proposal, linked to US President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts, outlines a sweeping framework that touches security, territorial control, economic cooperation and political reforms. Yet many analysts warn that the plan heavily favours Moscow and could force Ukraine into a weakened position after nearly four years of defending its sovereignty.
Below is a clear look at what the plan means, how Kyiv and Europe are responding, and why experts believe it may struggle to gain acceptance.
What the 28-Point Peace Proposal Includes
According to the leaked details, the proposal seeks to reshape the region’s security landscape and restore relations between Russia and Western powers. Key provisions include confirming Ukraine’s sovereignty, limiting Ukraine’s military to 600,000 personnel, and introducing new security guarantees backed by the United States.
One of the most contentious points is the demand that Ukraine change its constitution to permanently give up its NATO membership ambitions. NATO, in return, would formally declare that Ukraine will never join the alliance nor host NATO troops.
Territorial concessions form the heart of the controversy. The plan recognises Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk as Russian territory. It also freezes the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhia, leaving large swaths of these regions under Moscow’s control. Ukrainian forces would withdraw from parts of Donetsk they currently hold, creating a demilitarised buffer zone recognised internationally as part of Russia.
Beyond territory, the proposal outlines steps to bring Russia back into global political and economic systems. This includes staged lifting of sanctions, a return to the G8, and significant joint economic ventures between Washington and Moscow — notably a US-Russia investment fund focusing on energy, natural resources, artificial intelligence and Arctic development.
A major financial component involves using $100 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction, supplemented by another $100 billion from Europe. The profits from these investments would be split, with half going to the United States.
The proposal also outlines humanitarian measures, such as returning prisoners, reuniting separated families, and launching programmes to reduce cultural tensions.
Finally, the plan grants full amnesty to all sides involved in the conflict — a move that has raised serious concerns because Russian President Vladimir Putin is under an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
How Ukraine Has Responded
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US military officials in Kyiv to review the proposals. In his public remarks, he said Ukraine will examine the document but made it clear that the country will not accept a peace deal that undermines its sovereignty or dignity.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine seeks “a real and lasting peace — one that won’t be broken by another invasion,” emphasising that any agreement must protect the nation’s independence.
Kyiv is now consulting with its European allies before issuing a formal response.
Why Ukraine and Europe Are Unlikely to Accept It
Experts say the proposal, in its current form, asks Ukraine to sacrifice too much.
Security analysts describe the plan as vague, difficult to enforce and slanted heavily in favour of Moscow. The territorial concessions would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, while the amnesty clause could shield individuals involved in war crimes.
European leaders have already signaled that they will not support a peace deal that forces Ukraine into what they consider an unfair settlement. France’s foreign minister said peace cannot be achieved “through capitulation,” while EU officials insist they have not been formally briefed on the plan.
More detailed European reactions are expected following discussions at the G20 summit.
The US, Russia and Global Reactions
Washington has not officially commented on the leaked document. Russia, meanwhile, denies holding formal consultations with the United States about the plan, though observers note that several points clearly align with Moscow’s longstanding demands.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump, has expressed public support for the proposal, describing Trump as determined to end the war.
What Analysts Are Saying
Security experts argue that many points in the plan are unclear or unrealistic. For instance, the proposal calls for European fighter jets to be stationed in Poland without defining what type of jets or which European nations are involved. The document also does not explain how the US would be “compensated” for providing security guarantees to Ukraine.
Analysts warn that attempts to grant Moscow amnesty and return it to global platforms could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other nations to seize territory by force.
Will This Plan End the Russia-Ukraine War?
For now, that seems unlikely. Many believe the plan will undergo significant revisions if it is to move forward at all. Ukraine and Europe are expected to push back strongly on the territorial and political concessions. The US has not committed to advancing the plan publicly, and without broad international support, the proposal may struggle to progress.
As the war continues, the world will be watching closely to see whether this draft becomes a serious starting point for negotiations or yet another stalled attempt to end one of the most consequential conflicts of the century.
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