Trump Proposes Controversial 28-Point Plan for Ukraine Peace

Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial 28-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a proposal that has sparked significant debate among political leaders and observers. The draft, which has been reviewed by various media organizations, suggests substantial territorial concessions to Russia, including recognition of Crimea and parts of the Donbas region as de facto Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to discuss the plan with Trump in the coming days. He emphasized that any agreement must ensure a “dignified peace” that respects Ukraine’s “independence” and “sovereignty.” The reaction from Ukrainian officials has been mixed, with some dismissing the proposal as “absurd” and tantamount to capitulation, while others have expressed a more cautious stance.

Key Components of the Proposal

The draft plan outlines several critical elements that reflect Moscow’s longstanding demands. Notably, the plan calls for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, with the document stating that “Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk will be recognised as de facto Russian, including by the United States.” Currently, Ukraine maintains partial control over Luhansk and Donetsk, which are crucial battlegrounds in the conflict.

Additionally, the proposal indicates that Ukrainian territories from which forces have retreated would be designated as demilitarised zones, restricting Russian military entry. The southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, areas that Russia has claimed to annex, would be “frozen along the line of contact,” maintaining the status quo.

Significantly, the plan stipulates that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, would be supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Electricity generated at the plant would also be shared between Ukraine and Russia.

Military and Economic Implications

As part of the proposed terms, Ukraine would be required to reduce its military presence to 600,000 personnel, a substantial decrease from its current numbers. The proposal also states that NATO would not station troops in Ukraine, effectively eliminating Kyiv’s hopes for a European peacekeeping presence and barring Ukraine from joining the alliance.

Despite these stringent conditions, the plan promises “reliable security guarantees” for Ukraine, although it does not specify the nature of these guarantees. In a strategic move, European jets would be stationed in neighboring Poland to bolster regional security.

The proposal also outlines the reintegration of Russia into the global economy following years of sanctions. It suggests the country’s return to the G8 and outlines a framework where sanctions would be reinstated should Russia invade Ukraine again. Furthermore, it proposes allocating $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine while also establishing a US-Russian investment fund aimed at fostering relations and disincentivizing further conflict.

The proposal mandates that Ukraine conduct elections within 100 days and suggests implementing educational programs to promote understanding and tolerance among different cultures.

The plan’s reception reflects the complex dynamics of the conflict, revealing deep divisions within Ukraine regarding acceptable terms for peace. While some see the concessions as a necessary step toward ending the war, others view them as a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty and existence as an independent nation.

As discussions continue, the international community remains vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and its broader implications for European security and stability.