U.S. lawmakers are expressing strong criticism towards the proposed Ukraine-Russia peace plan, developed under the Trump administration. The 28-point framework, shared publicly by a Ukrainian opposition politician, has sparked concerns that it favors Moscow over Ukraine.
Key Components of the Peace Plan
The proposed deal reportedly includes:
- Ukraine relinquishing control of the eastern Donbas region and Crimea.
- A commitment from Ukraine to abandon NATO membership.
- Input from both Russian and Ukrainian officials.
Discussions about the framework are ongoing, with a deadline for Ukraine’s response set for Thanksgiving Day, as indicated by President Trump.
Concerns from Lawmakers
Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Thom Tillis, voiced their apprehensions. They emphasized Ukraine’s long-standing resistance against Russian occupation, stating:
“We will not achieve lasting peace by offering Putin concession after concession.” They highlighted that a true resolution must come from strength, not compromise.
Criticism from the Congressional Ukraine Caucus
Co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus also condemned the plan. They claimed it favors Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests over Ukraine’s sovereignty. The caucus argued:
“This framework does not provide a genuine path to lasting peace, but instead demands the surrender of Ukraine to Russian aggression.”
International Response and Next Steps
The proposal has not seen involvement from European governments, who believe it requires further refinement. Recent meetings between U.S. officials and their counterparts in Russia and Ukraine contributed to the plan’s development.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Kirill Dmitriev, a top advisor to Putin, on October 24 in Miami. Further discussions are scheduled in Geneva where Ukrainian officials will engage with U.S. delegates.
Ukraine’s Historical Context
On the same day, Ukraine commemorates its “great famine,” a devastating event during the early 1930s that resulted from policies implemented by Soviet leader Josef Stalin. In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, stating, “We defended, defend and will always defend Ukraine.” He asserted that Ukraine will not succumb to Russian dominance.
