Trump Administration Presents Peace Proposal for Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Trump administration has put forth a 28-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Reports indicate that this plan includes significant concessions from Ukraine, such as surrendering territory and substantially reducing its military force.
In a recent interview with Axios, Kirill Dmitriev, a senior advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, disclosed that he had met with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami the previous month to work on this proposal.
Dmitriev emphasized that the proposal not only seeks to end the war in Ukraine but also aims to rekindle U.S.-Russia relations and address Russia’s security worries.
“It’s actually a much broader framework, basically saying, ‘How do we really bring, finally, lasting security to Europe, not just Ukraine?’” Dmitriev shared during the interview.
The peace proposal would allow Russia to gain control over the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, while Ukraine would still hold around 15% of the territory. However, these areas would be designated as demilitarized zones, which would prevent Russia from stationing troops there, despite gaining control.
In addition to territorial concessions, Ukraine would be required to cut its military size drastically—possibly by as much as 50%—and relinquish certain long-range weapon systems that could strike Russia.
While NATO membership and joint European training in Ukraine are reportedly off the table, the U.S. has promised a security guarantee to Ukraine in case of any future Russian aggression.
“The president has been clear that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war. President Trump believes that there is a chance to end this senseless war if flexibility is shown,” a White House official conveyed to Axios.
“We know the Americans are working on something,” noted the Ukrainian official.
Meanwhile, senior Pentagon officials, headed by U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, have arrived in Ukraine for discussions about potential resolutions to the conflict.
It remains unclear whether the newly drafted peace proposal was part of these discussions. Nonetheless, a Ukrainian official mentioned that the focus of the talks is mainly on the military situation and a possible ceasefire.
Zelensky has consistently rejected any idea of conceding territory to Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine “will not give Russia any awards for what it has done.”
Despite Zelensky’s firm stance, recent corruption scandals have undermined Ukraine’s leverage, while Russian forces continue to make advances on the battlefield, putting Russia in a more advantageous position for negotiations.
“One thing is clear,” said Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, a former foreign policy advisor to the Ukrainian president, “Ukraine’s position right now is not strong, and this is seen not only inside the country but also by our partners, including the United States, and of course by the aggressor.”
