A proposal described by Ukrainian officials as “tailor-made for Moscow.” The plan has already sparked diplomatic friction in Kyiv, Washington and Ankara.
According to an American official cited by Axios, the plan foresees handing over to Russia parts of eastern Ukraine that it does not currently control, in exchange for an American security guarantee for Ukraine and Europe against any future Russian attack.
Main points of the Trump plan
International reports say the 28-point proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire and a security agreement overseen by the United States. Ukraine would be required to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea and areas of the east now under Russian control or influence, in exchange for economic support and U.S. security guarantees.
The plan also includes limiting Ukraine’s armed forces to around 400,000 troops, demilitarizing specific regions, and banning long-range missile systems. According to the Moscow Times, an international monitoring committee with U.S. and Turkish observers is under consideration.
Zelensky’s position
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is “ready for peace, but not for surrender,” stressing that any agreement involving a loss of sovereignty is “unacceptable.” On Telegram, he underlined that ending the bloodshed requires close coordination with all partners and that “American leadership must remain strong and effective.”
Zelensky also emphasized that only the United States and President Donald Trump have the necessary leverage to end the war. After meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, he noted that Turkey has proposed several formats for potential peace talks.
Russia’s reaction
The Kremlin reacted with restrained approval. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were “no new official initiatives,” but Russian media report that the Trump proposals are “moving in the right direction.” Russian officials believe the plan meets Moscow’s strategic demands by securing territorial gains and blocking Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.
Moscow is also seeking to present itself as open to dialogue, portraying the plan as a “realistic basis” for negotiations that would stabilize the region on terms shaped by Russia’s military position.
European and UK positions
The European Union remains cautious, maintaining that no agreement can be accepted unless it guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, Brussels is strengthening defense cooperation and advancing plans to improve military mobility across Europe.
The UK has voiced support for U.S. diplomatic efforts. A Foreign Office spokesperson said Russia could end the conflict immediately by withdrawing its forces, adding that Britain “shares President Trump’s desire to bring this brutal war to an end.”
Despite disagreements, diplomatic sources say renewed U.S. engagement and the involvement of countries like Turkey and the UK raise the prospects for de-escalation — though the terms of the Trump plan are considered extremely difficult for Kyiv to accept.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions