Trump’s Proposed Ukraine Peace Plan Would Cede Donbas to Russia

A draft proposal for ending the war in Ukraine, obtained by The Associated Press, outlines a potential peace plan backed by former President Donald Trump. The plan would require significant territorial and military concessions from Ukraine. It was discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The proposal was developed through collaboration between Washington and Moscow. It aims to resolve the nearly four-year-long conflict by fundamentally reshaping Ukraine’s security posture.

Key Concessions and Their Implications

Under the draft terms, Ukraine would be permanently barred from joining the NATO alliance. This move is seen as a major strategic victory for Russia. Future NATO expansion would also be restricted under the plan.

Moscow would gain control of the entire eastern Donbas region. This is significant as Ukrainian forces currently hold approximately 14% of this territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin would secure land his military has been unable to fully capture.

The proposal includes a path to lift sanctions on Russia. It would also reintegrate the country into the group of leading economies formerly known as the G8. A $100 billion fund from frozen Russian assets would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.

Political Hurdles and Ongoing Conflict

Ceding territory to Russia faces major political obstacles in Ukraine. Such a move is illegal under the Ukrainian constitution. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly ruled out any territorial concessions.

According to the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff have been crafting the plan for a month. They received input from both Ukrainian and Russian officials. A close adviser to Putin was also involved in the drafting process.

Meanwhile, conflicting battlefield reports continue. Russia’s chief military officer claimed full control of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine’s armed forces immediately denied this, stating their troops remain in control of the city.

The proposed peace plan represents a dramatic shift in the Ukraine conflict. Its terms would grant Russia key strategic objectives without further military escalation. The final outcome now hinges on political will in Kyiv and Western capitals.

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What are the main points of Trump’s Ukraine peace plan?

The plan would bar Ukraine from NATO and cede the Donbas to Russia. It also outlines a path to lift sanctions on Moscow.

Has Ukraine agreed to these terms?

No, Ukrainian officials have not agreed. Ceding territory is illegal under Ukraine’s constitution and has been repeatedly rejected by its leadership.

Who helped draft this proposal?

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and a close adviser to Putin were key figures. Input was gathered from both sides over a month.

What happens to the frozen Russian assets?

The plan proposes using $100 billion in frozen Russian state assets. These funds would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.

Why is the Donbas region so significant?

The Donbas is an industrial heartland. Russia would gain all of it, including the 14% still held by Ukrainian forces.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Reuters