New York, November 23, 2025
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has asserted it is the sole author of a 28-point peace plan aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, with a Thanksgiving deadline set for Ukraine to approve it ahead of talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and Western allies.
U.S. Authorship and Peace Plan Overview
The Trump administration insists it independently developed a comprehensive 28-point plan targeting peace in Ukraine, which will serve as the foundation for imminent negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and Western partners. The plan addresses four main pillars: ending hostilities in Ukraine, providing security guarantees, maintaining European stability, and defining future U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine.
Among the proposed terms are significant territorial concessions to Russia, notably ceding large portions of the Donbas region, alongside restrictions on the size of Ukraine’s military. The plan also includes security assurances inspired by NATO’s Article 5 but stops short of endorsing a direct Western military presence on Ukrainian soil.
Reactions from Ukraine and European Allies
Ukraine has formally received the U.S. proposal and expressed willingness to engage constructively while emphasizing firm red lines. Kyiv insists that the plan must not undercut Ukraine’s sovereignty or its right to select alliances, nor should it recognize Russian sovereignty over any Ukrainian land. The Ukrainian stance is encapsulated by the principle “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” underscoring demands to be central in any peace process.
Conversely, European allies have greeted the plan with skepticism. Numerous European leaders and lawmakers have dismissed it as a “nonstarter,” citing concerns over enforced military limits on Ukraine and restrictions that would impede NATO’s expansion. Some EU nations are reportedly preparing a counterproposal to influence forthcoming negotiations.
Diplomatic Context and Sanctions Relief Offer
The U.S. plan was crafted under the direction of Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who engaged in extensive discussions with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Part of the strategy includes offering Russia sanctions relief contingent on a cessation of attacks and entering direct dialogue with Ukraine.
Experts have described the plan in mixed terms, with some labeling it “sloppy” and “internally inconsistent,” while others recognize potential benefits in the proposed bilateral security guarantees. The plan marks a notable shift in U.S. policy from previous approaches to the Ukraine conflict.
Upcoming Decisions and Talks
Ukraine faces a complex dilemma: accepting the U.S. plan risks territorial losses and political concessions; rejecting it could jeopardize continued American support. The U.S. government has set an explicit deadline of Thanksgiving for Ukraine’s decision, heightening the urgency of the diplomatic process.
As negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming days, European envoys are actively working to shape outcomes by proposing alternative frameworks and seeking consensus among Western partners.
Geopolitical Implications
This peace plan represents a critical juncture in a protracted conflict with profound implications for European security architecture. Its ultimate success hinges on Ukraine’s willingness to compromise, Russia’s responsiveness to diplomatic overtures, and the cohesion of Western allies in supporting a sustainable peace framework. The unfolding talks will likely determine not only the future of Ukraine but also broader regional stability in the years ahead.