Trump’s Peace Draft Suggests Giving Russia Donbas, Restricting Ukraine’s Military
A draft peace plan reportedly developed under former President Donald Trump proposes ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia and limiting Kyiv’s military capabilities. The plan, intended to end the nearly four-year war, has drawn concern from Ukrainian officials and European leaders, who warn it may reward Russian aggression while violating Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Outline of the Peace Proposal
According to a draft obtained by The Associated Press, the plan would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and bar future NATO expansion, measures that Moscow views as strategic victories. The proposal would also grant Russia full control of the eastern Donbas region, which remains partially under Ukrainian control, and allow Russia to retain half of the energy output from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
In addition, the plan envisions allocating $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine, and includes a commitment from Moscow to refrain from future attacks. U.S. officials described these elements as concessions, though the territorial aspects remain deeply controversial in Kyiv.
U.S. Involvement and Negotiation Process
The draft emerged after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff consulted with Rustem Umerov, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A senior administration official said Umerov accepted much of the plan after making modifications and then presented it to Zelenskyy.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss the draft. Zelenskyy acknowledged the proposal on social media, emphasizing constructive engagement without explicitly endorsing the terms:
“Our teams — of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work,” he stated.
Ukrainian Red Lines
Kyiv has clearly signaled its non-negotiable positions. Deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn stressed Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Russian claims over occupied territory, limit its military capabilities, or compromise sovereignty:
“There will never be any recognition, formal or otherwise, of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as Russian,” she said. “Ukraine will not accept any limits on its right to self-defense, nor will we tolerate infringement on our sovereignty.”
European Concerns
European officials expressed alarm over the plan, emphasizing the need for consultation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that any agreement must have Ukrainian and European buy-in, warning that the draft appears excessively favorable to Moscow.
German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul indicated ongoing discussions with Witkoff and Turkish counterparts regarding efforts to end the war, underlining the need for coordinated diplomacy. European diplomats fear sidelining both Ukraine and the EU could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin rather than constrain his actions.
Historical Context and Trump’s Stance
Trump has repeatedly suggested territorial concessions as a path to peace. Last month, he proposed dividing the Donbas region, leaving much of it under Russian control. His administration’s previous diplomatic attempts, including a planned summit with Putin in Budapest, did not produce breakthroughs.
Moscow has continued military operations in Ukraine, with Russian General Valery Gerasimov claiming full control of Kupiansk, a claim denied by Ukrainian forces. The ongoing conflict underscores the challenge of negotiating terms acceptable to both Kyiv and the international community.
Implications of the Draft Plan
The proposal raises complex questions about sovereignty, international law, and the limits of U.S. influence. Any territorial concessions would likely be illegal under Ukraine’s constitution and politically unpopular. Analysts note that enforcing such a plan could intensify tensions, both within Ukraine and among European allies, while potentially rewarding Russian territorial ambitions.
While the plan highlights a U.S. attempt to broker peace, experts caution that sustainable solutions require inclusive dialogue with all parties affected, particularly Ukraine and European partners.
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