A newly reported 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, negotiated between the U.S. adn Russia, is raising concerns over its potential terms and the exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from substantive discussions. The proposal, reportedly inspired by the recent Gaza ceasefire framework, calls for meaningful concessions from Kyiv, including the potential recognition of Russian control over occupied territories and a reduction in Ukraine’s military size. Details remain largely undisclosed, but sources indicate the plan-brokered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff-has been presented to Ukrainian officials and is generating debate over its feasibility and implications for the ongoing conflict.
- The U.S. and Russia are secretly working on a peace plan for the conflict in Ukraine.
- Europe and Ukraine were largely excluded from the development of the plan.
- The proposal is reportedly inspired by the Gaza ceasefire.
Washington has been engaged in discreet discussions with Russia to formulate a potential plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to a report by Axios. The new 28-point plan is said to encompass “security guarantees, security in Europe, and the future relationship between the U.S. and both Russia and Ukraine.”
Ukraine confirmed Wednesday evening that it had received a new proposal from the U.S. regarding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. A senior Ukrainian official told the AFP news agency that the plan involves ceding territories currently under Russian control, including Crimea, and a significant reduction in the size of the Ukrainian armed forces. The proposal reportedly calls for “recognition of Crimea and other territories occupied by Russia,” and suggests Kyiv reduce its military to 400,000 soldiers.
Inspired by Gaza Ceasefire
As previous diplomatic efforts have stalled in recent months, the U.S. appears to be renewing its attempt to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv, Axios reported. Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly discussed the 28-point plan with both Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Ukrainian National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov, according to sources in Washington and Kyiv.
The proposal reportedly draws inspiration from Trump’s plan for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which went into effect in October. It envisions an international stabilization force, similar to the Gaza agreement, to secure border regions and facilitate demilitarization.
Key Details Remain Unclear
While contentious issues such as control over the disputed territories in eastern Ukraine, or a potential waiver of Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, are reportedly under discussion, they remain unresolved in the publicly available details of the plan.
Christopher Miller, chief correspondent for the Financial Times, previously wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that a “rush US-Russian proposal” via the Dmitriev-Witkoff-Umerov channel had been presented to the Ukrainians. He characterized it as tantamount to Ukrainian capitulation, stating, “Sources with knowledge of the matter tell me it’s basically the Kremlin’s maximal demands.” These demands reportedly include halving the size of the Ukrainian army, surrendering certain weapons systems, and relinquishing control of the Donbas region.
According to Axios, Dmitriev expressed optimism about the 28-point plan, stating that the Russian position is now “really being heard,” unlike previous attempts. He indicated a willingness to align with the principles agreed upon by Putin and Trump in August in Alaska, aiming to address the Ukraine conflict while also restoring relations between the U.S. and Russia, and considering Russia’s security concerns.
Ukraine Largely Excluded From Discussions
Critics point out that Ukraine has reportedly been largely excluded from substantive input into the plan, and many details remain undisclosed. European nations were also initially left out of the plan’s development, though initial discussions with them are reportedly underway. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for a reshaping of the geopolitical landscape.
What is your view on the U.S. and Russia reportedly working on a peace plan for Ukraine without the direct involvement of Europe and Kyiv?
The United Kingdom and France recently pursued a separate initiative aimed at containing the conflict in a manner favorable to Europe, including the potential deployment of Western security forces in Ukraine. However, Axios reports that the 28-point secret plan does not align with that approach.
With material from AFP
See something, hear something?
Send us your news tip!
If it is an accident or other misfortune, please first alert the emergency services.
Reto Bollmann (bre), born in 1991, has been strengthening the 20-minute news desk as an editor since the end of 2021. He has a penchant for political, scientific and historical topics.
