BREAKING: A 28-point peace plan for Russia and Ukraine, revealed today, has ignited fierce backlash over its alleged bias toward Russian interests. Details of the plan, which includes recognizing Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian territory, have triggered alarm across Europe and deep skepticism from Ukrainian officials.
According to a source familiar with the plan, confirmed to NBC News, the proposals have been met with outrage from Kyiv. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, recently downplayed Ukraine’s involvement in the plan during discussions in the United States. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that the plan could serve as a foundation for a resolution, despite initial hesitations from Moscow.
The plan’s most contentious provision calls for Ukraine to accept the status of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian territory, with U.S. support. Victoria Podgorna, a lawmaker in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party, criticized the proposals, stating, “Why do these proposals seem to be based almost entirely on Russia’s demands?”
Analyst Jessica Berlin described the proposals as “essentially the Kremlin’s wish list,” warning that it implies Russia could invade a sovereign nation and gain territory without consequences. Mark Galeotti, Director at Mayak Intelligence, noted that while the plan has some potential to halt violence, it compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty significantly.
Other alarming elements of the draft include a cap on Ukraine’s military at 600,000 troops and a constitutional promise never to join NATO. Such conditions could undermine Ukraine’s defenses against future aggression, raising concerns among military and political leaders.
Zelenskyy is actively engaging with leaders from Britain, Germany, and France to ensure Ukraine’s “principled stances” are considered. He emphasized the need for unity as his nation faces a “very difficult winter.”
As tensions rise, the proposal has broader implications, including stipulations that NATO will not expand further, a move seen as a significant win for the Kremlin. This could embolden autocratic regimes worldwide, as noted by Berlin, if the West appears unwilling to defend a European democracy.
The plan also mentions the potential unlocking of $100 billion in frozen Russian assets, contingent on rebuilding Ukraine. This proposal, described by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as a “win-win scenario,” stands on shaky ground, given the stark opposition from Ukrainian officials.
With the situation evolving rapidly, analysts warn that the peace plan could reshape the balance of power in Europe. It places Ukraine in a precarious position, caught between the pressures of war and the need to maintain vital alliances. The coming days will be pivotal as Ukraine navigates these unprecedented challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.
