His peace plan Donald Trump for Ukraine was heavily criticized by Ukrainian officials, who called it “absurd”, “provocative” and a tool to “disorient the allies” of the country, writes the Guardian. According to them, the text repeats requirements set by Russia in 2022, without any consultation with Kyiv.
Instead, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (20.11.2025) that he is ready to discuss with US President Donald Trump this highly controversial plan, which foresees that the Ukraine he will have to make serious concessions to end Russia’s invasion.
The president’s office confirmed it had received the plan and said the two leaders would discuss “existing diplomatic possibilities” and “necessary points to achieve peace” in the coming days.
The plan, drawn up by Kirill Dmitriev, a close aide of Vladimir Putin, and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, among others, proposes that Ukraine abandon the northern Donbass, halve its army and surrender its long-range weapons.
Design reminiscent of “almost tradition”
The text bans the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine — barring a Western peacekeeping force — while offering vague American security guarantees. It also provides for official recognition of the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church, standing demands of the Kremlin. For many Ukrainian officials, these measures constitute a “totally impermissible undermining of Ukrainian sovereignty.”
The timing is no accident: Zelensky is facing a serious political crisis due to a corruption scandal involving his former associates and ministers. In Kiev, several analysts believe that Moscow is trying to exploit this weakness. The US, for its part, is openly pushing Kiev to accept a negotiating framework. On Thursday, Zelenskiy held talks with the new US special envoy, Dan Driscoll, who is in Ukraine to assess the military situation.
Europe surprised and wary
In Brussels, many European governments say they only learned about the plan after it was made public. They remind that Europe remains the main military and economic supporter of Ukraine. “We welcome every effort for peace, but no plan can go forward without Ukrainians and Europeans,” stressed the head of European diplomacy Kaya Kalas, noting that the plan “does not ask for any concessions from Russia.”
While diplomatic processes continue, the situation at the front remains dramatic: Russia is intensifying its systematic attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. On Wednesday, shelling hit cities in the west of the country, including Ternopil, where 26 people — including three children — were killed in their homes.