The United States has unveiled a controversial 28-point "peace plan" for Ukraine, a proposal that has stirred significant debate and criticism among international allies and within Ukraine itself. The plan, reportedly reviewed and supported by US President Donald Trump, outlines a framework for ending the conflict that would necessitate major concessions from Kyiv, fundamentally altering longstanding US policy regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity.

A central tenet of the proposed plan involves Ukraine ceding substantial territory to Russia. Specifically, it calls for the US to "de facto" recognize Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian territory. For the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, the borders would be frozen along the existing line of contact, effectively recognizing Russian control over these areas. Furthermore, a particularly contentious provision demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of Donetsk they currently control, establishing this area as a neutral, demilitarized buffer zone internationally recognized as belonging to the Russian Federation. In return, Russia would relinquish control over other agreed territories outside these five regions.

Beyond territorial changes, the plan also imposes severe limits on Ukraine's future sovereignty and security architecture. It mandates that Ukraine will not join NATO and that NATO will refrain from stationing troops on Ukrainian soil. It also proposes stationing European fighter jets in Poland. The Ukrainian armed forces would be capped at 600,000 personnel, and nationwide elections would be required within 100 days of the plan's implementation.

The enforcement and monitoring of this agreement would fall under a "Peace Council," reportedly headed by President Donald J. Trump, with sanctions imposed for any violations. While the draft mentions security guarantees for Ukraine, these are not detailed, though it stipulates that the US would receive compensation for its guarantee. The proposal includes a two-sided penalty system: if Russia invades Ukraine again, global sanctions would be reinstated, and the recognition of its newly acquired territories revoked. Conversely, if Ukraine launches an unprovoked missile attack on Moscow or St. Petersburg, its security guarantee would be invalidated.

Crucially, the plan envisions Russia's reintegration into the global community, including the lifting of sanctions and an invitation to rejoin the G8. It also controversially calls for full amnesty for "all parties" involved in the war, prohibiting any future claims—a provision that starkly contradicts the International Criminal Court's warrant for President Vladimir Putin concerning the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. The exchange of all prisoners of war and bodies, along with the return of civilian detainees, hostages, and children, is also outlined.

Adding to the controversy, The Guardian reported that elements of the plan's English text show signs of being drafted in Russian before translation. Phrases like "Russia is expected not to invade neighbouring countries, and NATO is expected not to expand further" use the unusual construction "it is expected," a direct calque from Russian. Other Russian-style word choices, such as "ambiguities" and "to enshrine" in this context, further fueled suspicions that contributors linked to Moscow influenced the document's wording.

Despite the comprehensive nature of the draft, US officials insist the plan is still under development and "in flux," emphasizing that any final agreement would necessitate concessions from both sides. However, the proposal's outline suggests significant reversals of longstanding US policy affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, facing intense pressure, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that Ukraine risks losing the United States as a key strategic partner if it rejects the latest proposals. While he has agreed to work "round the clock" with US officials to ensure the final agreement preserves Ukraine’s dignity and fundamental interests, he conceded that parts of the plan include concessions previously ruled out by Kyiv, such as territorial relinquishment and abandoning NATO aspirations. Zelensky confirmed discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, expressing respect for Trump's desire to end the bloodshed and a positive view of realistic proposals for a dignified peace.

On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin claimed the US plan had been previously discussed with Trump in Alaska in August, presenting the current proposal as a "modernised" version of earlier ideas. Putin asserted that Russia had agreed to make certain compromises and show flexibility, viewing the updated 28-point document as a potential basis for a final peace settlement. He also claimed Ukraine had initially refused the earlier version, prompting Washington to draft the current iteration.

European and Ukrainian officials have voiced strong criticism of the plan, describing it as a rehash of Moscow’s maximalist demands from earlier in the conflict. A European diplomat likened the effort to "Groundhog Day," calling the territorial demands a "non-starter" and deeming acceptance "political suicide" for any Ukrainian leader. They stressed that any viable plan must involve both Ukrainians and Europeans. Even Germany's Foreign Minister Wadephul, while insisting Europe backs Ukraine, stated the framework consists only of "points to discuss" and that talks should happen "from a position of strength," suggesting a degree of caution regarding immediate acceptance.

As the Thanksgiving deadline approaches—reportedly set by President Trump for Ukraine to agree to the terms—tensions are escalating. Both Kyiv and Moscow appear to signal openness to continued talks, yet the profound implications of the proposed concessions raise concerns that Ukraine may be forced into choices its leadership has long resisted, shaping the future geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.