Ukraine would surrender the Donbass region, including Luhansk and Donetsk, to Russia, under a 28-point peace plan backed by Donald Trump. The proposed peace plan also curtails the Ukrainian army to 600,000 personnel. European fighter jets would be stationed in Poland to provide protection. However, no NATO troops would be based in Ukraine. Additionally, Kiev would agree not to join NATO in the future.
According to US officials, the draft remains a working document under discussion. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president supports the plan. She added that the proposal could benefit both Russia and Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly worked quietly on the plan with both countries for around a month.
Territorial Arrangements and Demilitarized Zones
The draft recognises Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian territory, as recognized by the United States. Ukraine still controls parts of Luhansk and Donetsk, which form the Donbass industrial belt. Areas from which Ukrainian forces withdraw in Donetsk would become a demilitarized zone that Russian forces cannot enter. The plan freezes Kherson and Zaporizhzhia along the current line of contact. These measures reflect Moscow’s previous demands in negotiations.
Nuclear Plant and Economic Provisions
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, occupied by Russian forces since March 2022, would operate under IAEA supervision. Electricity from the plant would be shared equally between Russia and Ukraine. The plan also allows Russia to rejoin the G8 and reintegrate into the global economy after nearly four years of sanctions. It expects Russia not to invade neighbouring countries, while NATO must avoid further expansion. Sanctions would automatically resume if Russia invades Ukraine again, along with a coordinated military response.
Ukrainian Perspective on Peace
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine seeks a dignified peace respecting its independence, sovereignty, and citizens’ dignity. Critics note the plan largely asks Ukraine to concede key Russian demands while receiving limited benefits. Moscow claims to have annexed Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, occupying about a fifth of Ukraine.
