President Donald Trump indicated that his proposed peace plan for Ukraine is not set in stone, suggesting potential revisions to key terms. Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday afternoon, Trump clarified that the proposal he laid out is not his final offer. “No, not my final offer,” he responded when asked by a reporter if the plan was definitive.
This revelation has sparked speculation about changes to Trump’s peace initiative, which had previously included a deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the terms by Thanksgiving, specifically November 27. Trump emphasized the urgency of reaching a resolution, stating, “I’d like to get the peace. 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. We’re trying to get it ended.”
The 28-point draft proposal from the Trump administration, which has been reviewed by various media organizations including the Associated Press, contains controversial stipulations. Among them, Ukraine would need to relinquish territory, refrain from joining NATO, and limit its military forces to 600,000 personnel. In exchange, Russia would return smaller portions of land it currently holds in other regions.
Defense experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have expressed concerns that this plan may not lead to a lasting peace. They argue that the terms proposed could inadvertently lead to increased Russian aggression, stating that “the battle lines set forth by the proposed peace plan would additionally heavily favor another Russian invasion.”
In a recent address, President Zelensky acknowledged the complexities surrounding the peace negotiations. While he did not outright reject Trump’s proposal, he stressed the importance of fair treatment and committed to “work calmly” with Washington and other international partners. He noted that Ukraine is currently facing “truly one of the most difficult moments in our history” and hinted at a challenging decision that may soon confront his government.
Zelensky also revealed that he had a nearly hour-long conversation on Friday with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll regarding the peace proposal. This dialogue highlights the ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine as they navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed cautious optimism regarding the U.S. proposals, indicating that they “could form the basis for a final peace settlement.” As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring the reactions and decisions made by both Ukraine and the United States in the coming days.
The evolving dynamics of this conflict could significantly impact not only the parties involved but also the broader geopolitical stability in the region. With critical discussions underway, the potential for a revised peace plan may reshape the future of Ukraine and its relations with both the U.S. and Russia.
