‘Outright capitulation’: Reactions to Trump’s new ‘peace plan’ for Russia and Ukraine are in — and they’re mostly negative
On November 19, several Western media outlets published details of a new “peace plan” quietly drafted by U.S. and Russian officials. The 28-point document, which was drawn up without input from Ukraine or the European Union, largely echoes the Kremlin’s maximalist demands. And it appears that almost no one in Ukraine, the West, or even in Russia considers it realistic. To give a sense of just how widespread the criticism is, Meduza shares a selection of reactions.
Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine
“[W]e in Ukraine have supported every decisive step and the leadership of [U.S. President Donald Trump], every strong and fair proposal aimed at ending this war. […] But the most important factor for stopping the bloodshed and achieving lasting peace is that we work in close coordination with all partners, and that American leadership remains effective, strong, and brings us closer to a peace that endures and ensures security for the people.”
Sources speaking to the Financial Times
“Officials in Kyiv briefed on the plan said it closely aligned with the Kremlin’s maximalist demands, adding it would be a non-starter for Ukraine without significant changes.
But one of the people briefed on the proposal was less pessimistic, saying ‘the Americans are pressing Moscow to clearly articulate what their expectations actually are to . . . start the negotiations.’”
Illia Ponomarenko, Ukrainian journalist
“Oh yeah, reward a militaristic dictatorship for a war of aggression in Europe, fully satisfy its maximalist demands, and then twist the victim’s arms into outright capitulation — a victim they couldn’t even defeat on the battlefield. […] Absolutely realistic and serious ideas for achieving a “durable peace,” no doubt about it.”
Roman Sheremeta, Ukrainian economist
“A deal made over Ukraine — not with Ukraine — risks becoming another Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. For Europe, this is a test of whether the rules-based order still means anything. For the United States, a test of credibility: will it pursue peace with Ukraine, or peace around Ukraine?”
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former prime minister of Ukraine
“[I know] from my own sources in the U.S. that this is practically the same thing Putin and Trump discussed in Alaska. Everything now being presented as a supposedly new peace plan has nothing to do with peace. It’s a plan for Ukraine’s creeping capitulation. And every point in it fully repeats the position Putin voiced almost four years ago.”
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Russia
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman
“We have nothing to add to what was said in Anchorage. We have nothing to say. We see and read the media reports — and we have nothing new to contribute.”
Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
“If the American side had put forward any proposals, they would have been conveyed through the established diplomatic channels.”
Sources speaking to the Financial Times
“‘It’s not a plan but a mix of real, practical proposals with good intentions,’ a Russian person familiar with the matter said. ‘Part of it is absolutely unacceptable for the Ukrainians.’”
Alexander Kots, Russian propagandist and military blogger
“The agreement supposedly envisions Ukraine leasing Donbas to Russia. […] Apparently that’s what [U.S. Secretary of State Marco] Rubio means when he talks about painful compromises on both sides. In essence, they’re asking us to give up part of our sovereignty. Under the Constitution, the entire Donbas is Russian territory. Why on earth should we pay anyone to use its mineral resources? We’re the ones who will have to rebuild it at our own expense. What are they going to suggest we lease next — the Kuril Islands? Kaliningrad? The Arctic?”
The European Union
Kaja Kallas, E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
“Of course, for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board. This is very clear. Also, we have to understand that in this war, there is one aggressor and one victim. We have not heard of any concessions on the Russian side. If Russia really wanted peace, it could have had agreed to unconditional ceasefire already some time ago.”
Johann Wadephul, German foreign minister
“We have not been briefed on this. There are ongoing efforts by all international partners to finally get President Putin to the negotiating table.”
Elina Valtonen, Finnish foreign minister
“Judging by the contents, their [peace plan conditions] were written in Moscow. They completely disregard the principles of the U.N. Charter, [effectively legitimizing armed aggression].”
Michael Weiss, American journalist
“Western European diplomatic source: ‘There is a common understanding in diplomatic circles that the plan was prepared by Witkoff to make Ukraine more elastic in future. Ask a ridiculous price so the next offer will look more realistic. Classic New York real estate move.’”
The United States
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
“Ending a complex and deadly war such as the one in Ukraine requires an extensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas. And achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions. That is why we are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides of this conflict.”
Lindsey Graham, Republican senator from South Carolina
“I don’t know what this 28-point plan is. I’m glad that we’re coming up with a plan. […] [But] no plan will work unless Putin and his allies believe that we’re serious about more military aid, more capability of Ukraine to hurt Russia militarily, and more economic ruin coming to those who prop up Putin’s war machine.”
Don Bacon, Republican representative from Nebraska, retired Air Force Brigadier General
“I totally disagree with the Administration negotiating w/ the Russians & not the Ukrainians, and their plan to demand the Ukrainians accept the agreement as a ‘fait accompli.’ Not involving the Europeans is foolish. The U.S. did this too with South Vietnam & the Afghan Government. This sounds like 1938 Munich.”
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