Report: Trump peace plan suggests Ukraine cede Donbas territory
The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly proposed a comprehensive plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to reports, the draft includes significant conditions for Kyiv, such as ceding specified territories in eastern Ukraine, a substantial reduction in the size of its armed forces, and limitations on certain long-range weapons. The details of the proposal were published on Wednesday, November 19, by multiple outlets, including Reuters, Axios, and the Financial Times, all citing sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
Reuters stated that sources indicate the Trump team informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine would be expected to accept the 28-point plan. The plan is understood to be structured around four main areas: establishing peace in Ukraine, providing security guarantees, ensuring European security, and shaping the future relationship between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.
Conditions: Territory and Military Limits
Axios reports that a key proposal involves Ukraine ceding the Donbas region to Russia, despite Kyiv currently controlling approximately 14.5% of that territory. In exchange, Ukraine would reportedly receive security guarantees from the US and European partners.
An official cited by Axios suggested the White House view is that "Ukraine will lose the discussed territories anyway" if the conflict is prolonged, indicating that "it is in Ukraine's interest to reach an agreement now." The plan is also said to include a provision for an immediate freezing of the current frontline across the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The Financial Times further detailed that the document demands a 50% cut in the Ukrainian army’s personnel and a restriction on the deployment of long-range weaponry capable of striking deep inside Russian territory.
Crucially, Axios mentions that the U.S. side is holding discreet negotiations on this framework with Russian officials. These talks are reportedly being conducted between President Trump’s special envoy, Steven Witkoff, and Russian President’s representative, Kirill Dmitriev.
President Zelenskyy’s Remarks
In a public statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the recent talks with the American side:
“We discussed in detail the real paths towards a secure and dignified end to the war.”
Mr. Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s general support for initiatives led by the US president: “Since the beginning of this year, we, in Ukraine, support all determined actions and the leadership of President Trump, every strong and just proposal that can end this war." He added that he believes only "President Trump and the United States of America have enough strength for this war to finally end.”
The Kyiv leader also confirmed Turkey’s willingness to facilitate negotiations, stating: “President Erdoğan proposed discussion formats that we supported, and it is important to us that Turkey is ready to offer the necessary platform. We are ready to work in any other substantial formats that can bring results.”
However, Mr. Zelenskyy concluded by reiterating that any long-term peace solution must be pursued in strong coordination with all Western partners and require sustained, active involvement from Washington.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
