Trump peace plan would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia

A comprehensive peace plan endorsed by US President Donald Trump would require Ukraine to surrender substantial territory to Russia and formally abandon its aspirations to join NATO, according to a detailed report by the news outlet Axios. The 28-point draft proposal, delivered to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week, outlines what could become the most significant framework yet for ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Key Territorial and Military Provisions

The proposed settlement would fundamentally reshape Ukraine's borders and military capacity. According to the draft obtained by Axios, Ukraine would be required to recognize Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian territory, while the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be frozen along the current line of contact. The plan would also cap the size of Ukraine's armed forces at 600,000 personnel and mandate constitutional changes to formally renounce NATO membership, with the alliance similarly barred from ever admitting Ukraine or stationing troops there.

Economic Incentives and Political Conditions

In exchange for these significant concessions, the proposal offers Ukraine a substantial economic package and limited security assurances. The draft calls for directing $100 billion in frozen Russian assets toward Ukraine's reconstruction, supplemented by another $100 billion from European partners. While the plan states that any future Russian invasion would trigger a "decisive coordinated military response," it does not explicitly commit US forces to such action. Additionally, Ukraine would be required to hold national elections within 100 days of any agreement, with all parties receiving full amnesty.

International Reactions and Implementation

The proposal includes significant benefits for Russia, including the gradual lifting of sanctions and Moscow's reinstatement to the G8. The agreement would be overseen by a Peace Council led by President Trump, with violations resulting in sanctions. Ukrainian President Zelensky has described the document as a US "vision" rather than a final offer, while Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism that "the Russian position is really being heard," though President Vladimir Putin has not yet publicly endorsed the proposal.