US President Donald Trump's latest push for peace in Ukraine has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether his plan is genuinely aimed at ending the war or if it's just a Russian "wish list" wrapped up in American diplomacy. During a recent visit to the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, Trump complained that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not even read the latest U.S. peace proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A 28-point peace framework has been emerging from talks between Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin-linked figures, with the document asking Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region, accept Russian control of Crimea, and abandon any attempts to join NATO – demands that closely mirror Vladimir Putin's maximal expectations. This has led some U.S. senators to suggest that the text is not actually an American plan but rather a "wish list" drawn up by Russia and handed over by Washington.
While Trump officials claim that Ukraine's core positions are understood in Washington, Zelensky has stated that his country cannot accept a deal that legitimizes Russian land grabs or leaves it without credible security guarantees. The Ukrainian leader is now bracing himself for what he believes will be an extremely difficult sell to his own public.
Europe is similarly divided on the matter, with some leaders open to revising plans that drop most military restrictions on Ukraine but key figures in London, Paris, and Berlin warning privately against agreements that reward aggression or leave Kyiv unable to defend itself. The diplomatic war is intensifying as Trump pushes for an endgame before either Ukraine or Europe feels confident it's safe.
The far right sees Trump's gambit as overdue realism, while more traditional conservatives are cautiously supportive but still grappling with moral clarity over Putin's role in the conflict. However, a faction of the GOP hawks has dismissed the plan as "Russia's wish list," accusing Trump of giving Putin too much leverage at the expense of a democratic ally.
On the left, Ukrainian and Western commentators see this as appeasement dressed up in a better brand – with some describing it as a national shame and strategic disaster for Ukraine. Think-tank experts warn that any plan drawn primarily between Washington and the Kremlin risks sidelining Ukraine and fracturing the Western coalition.
The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: Trump's push for peace has set the stage for an all-out diplomatic showdown in which the battle lines are being redrawn by who gets to define "peace."
A 28-point peace framework has been emerging from talks between Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin-linked figures, with the document asking Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region, accept Russian control of Crimea, and abandon any attempts to join NATO – demands that closely mirror Vladimir Putin's maximal expectations. This has led some U.S. senators to suggest that the text is not actually an American plan but rather a "wish list" drawn up by Russia and handed over by Washington.
While Trump officials claim that Ukraine's core positions are understood in Washington, Zelensky has stated that his country cannot accept a deal that legitimizes Russian land grabs or leaves it without credible security guarantees. The Ukrainian leader is now bracing himself for what he believes will be an extremely difficult sell to his own public.
Europe is similarly divided on the matter, with some leaders open to revising plans that drop most military restrictions on Ukraine but key figures in London, Paris, and Berlin warning privately against agreements that reward aggression or leave Kyiv unable to defend itself. The diplomatic war is intensifying as Trump pushes for an endgame before either Ukraine or Europe feels confident it's safe.
The far right sees Trump's gambit as overdue realism, while more traditional conservatives are cautiously supportive but still grappling with moral clarity over Putin's role in the conflict. However, a faction of the GOP hawks has dismissed the plan as "Russia's wish list," accusing Trump of giving Putin too much leverage at the expense of a democratic ally.
On the left, Ukrainian and Western commentators see this as appeasement dressed up in a better brand – with some describing it as a national shame and strategic disaster for Ukraine. Think-tank experts warn that any plan drawn primarily between Washington and the Kremlin risks sidelining Ukraine and fracturing the Western coalition.
The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: Trump's push for peace has set the stage for an all-out diplomatic showdown in which the battle lines are being redrawn by who gets to define "peace."
he's basically handing russia the upper hand and expecting zelensky to swallow it whole 
no wonder europe is divided, usa's diplomats seem completely clueless 
this peace proposal reeks of russian 'wishes' wrapped in american diplomacy 
think-tank experts are right on the money, any plan relying solely on washington and kremlin talks is a recipe for disaster 
. It feels like we're playing into Putin's hands and that Trump's plan is just a way to get Russia on board with something without actually getting Ukraine the support it needs 
. I mean, surrendering Donbas and Crimea? That's not exactly a recipe for peace 
. And what's up with Zelensky being told his country can't have credible security guarantees? Doesn't that just sound like a bunch of diplomatic mumbo-jumbo to me? 
. Anyway, this whole thing has got me feeling pretty anxious about what's gonna happen next 
28-point peace framework sounds legit but only if it's all about ukraine's safety and security. the fact that it's so similar to putin's "wish list" is not cool 
. america needs to stand by its allies, not just give russia what they want. 
think-tanks are right, if washington and kremlin do this deal without ukraine's input, it'll be a disaster 
. trump's got some explaining to do! 
. Trump's plan seems kinda shady, like someone's pulling a fast one on everyone 
. The fact that it's basically mirroring Putin's maximal expectations is sketchy 
It's not like we're getting a clear understanding of their goals or anything 
. And Europe is all over the map on this one, which doesn't help 
. #TrumpUkrainePlan #PeaceAtWhatCost
It's like Trump is setting the table for Putin to get everything he wants and just hoping that Ukraine and Europe don't realize it. 
I mean, what kind of diplomacy says to a country, "Hey Ukraine, just give us everything we want and don't bother trying to defend yourself"? 
It's not exactly the most hopeful outlook. 
. I think it's super suspicious that Ukraine wasn't even read the latest US peace proposal, and now everyone's wondering if this plan was just made up by Russia and presented as American diplomacy 
. Who gets to define "peace" in this scenario? Ukraine? Russia? The US? It's like the whole world is waiting with bated breath to see how this all plays out 
. The GOP hawks might think it's "realism" but I think it's just more of the same old Russia playing hardball 
.
This diplomatic war is already heating up and I don't see it cooling down anytime soon 
. Trump thinks he can just hand over Ukraine to Putin and call it a day? 
.
Think-tank experts are warning us about this all the time, but nobody's listening 
Newsflash, Donald: Ukraine isn't some cheap consolation prize you can hand out to Russia in exchange for some "peace" that only benefits Putin.
. I get why Trump wants peace, but Zelensky has valid concerns about security guarantees and Russia's land grabs 
. Europe's all over the place too - some leaders are open to revising plans, while others are like "no way, Joe" 
We can't just rush into a deal without making sure it's fair for everyone involved 
. Maybe we should take a step back and think about what "peace" really means in this context 
. That way, we can find a solution that works for everyone – not just one side or the other 
.
It feels like we're running on a tightrope with no safety net.