President Donald Trump has indicated that his proposed peace plan for Ukraine is not final, sparking speculation about a potential revision of key terms. Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump clarified that his proposal should not be viewed as a definitive offer. “No, not my final offer,” he stated when asked if the terms were set in stone.
This statement comes in the context of an earlier ultimatum given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was reportedly expected to respond by Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2023. Trump expressed a strong desire for peace, emphasizing, “It should’ve happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should’ve never happened. If I were president, it would’ve never happened.” He reiterated the need to end the conflict, saying, “One way or the other, we have to get it ended.”
Copies of a 28-point draft proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict were recently obtained by the Associated Press and other media outlets. The proposal includes contentious elements, such as Ukraine ceding territory, refraining from joining NATO, and limiting its armed forces to 600,000 personnel. In exchange, Russia would return some territories it currently controls.
Critics of the plan, including defense experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), argue that these conditions may not lead to lasting peace. The ISW commented, “The battle lines set forth by the proposed peace plan would additionally heavily favor another Russian invasion.”
Zelensky has not outright dismissed the proposal but has called for fair treatment in negotiations. In a recent address, he highlighted the challenging position Ukraine finds itself in, stating, “We may soon face an extremely difficult choice.” He also mentioned a significant conversation he had with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll regarding the peace proposal.
In response to the unfolding discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a cautious welcome to the U.S. proposals, suggesting they “could form the basis for a final peace settlement.”
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the dynamics between Ukraine and Russia, particularly in light of Trump’s potential policy shifts. The coming days could be crucial in determining the future of peace negotiations in the region.
