Ukraine rejects Trump’s peace plan as Zelensky submits counterproposal demanding stronger security guarantees with no NATO membership mentioned.
At a Glance
- Ukraine has drafted a counterproposal to Trump’s peace plan, which was criticized for giving too much to Russia
- Zelensky’s proposal demands no restrictions on Ukraine’s military size and suggests a “European security contingent” backed by the US
- Trump claims Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal” while Zelensky rejects Russian control of Crimea
- The Ukrainian counterproposal notably doesn’t mention Ukraine regaining all territory or joining NATO
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned talks may be abandoned if no progress is made “in a matter of days”
Ukraine’s Counterproposal Rejects Key Trump Plan Elements
Ukrainian leadership has drafted a counterproposal to the Trump administration’s peace plan that has been widely criticized for conceding too much Ukrainian territory to Russia. The Ukrainian plan specifically includes no restrictions on the size of Ukraine’s military forces and proposes deploying what they call a “European security contingent” on Ukrainian territory with American backing. This stands in stark contrast to Trump’s proposal, which reportedly allows Russia to keep annexed territories and excludes Ukraine from NATO membership.
While Trump claims peace talks are progressing well, significant disparities exist between the US proposals and European/Ukrainian counter-proposals. The Ukrainian plan also proposes using frozen Russian assets to fund repairs of war damage throughout Ukraine – a contentious point that Russian negotiators are certain to reject. Notably absent from Ukraine’s counterproposal is any mention of Ukraine fully regaining all territory seized by Russia or joining NATO.
The Ukrainian president said Kyiv's allies are working on NATO-style security guarantees. https://t.co/HD0Nt43HxK
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) April 26, 2025
Trump Claims Progress While Zelensky Holds Firm
President Trump has been optimistic about negotiations, claiming Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal” following talks in Moscow between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “finish it off,” referring to the conflict he claims is causing approximately 5,000 deaths weekly. This aggressive push for peace has created tension with Ukrainian leadership, who feel pressured to accept unfavorable terms.
Trump has openly supported Russia keeping Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, a position Zelensky has officially rejected. However, in what appears to be a moment of candor, Zelensky acknowledged, “What President Trump says is true, and I agree with him in that today we do not have enough weapons to return control over the Crimean peninsula.” This statement suggests Ukraine may be preparing its population for territorial concessions while publicly maintaining a hard line.
Security Guarantees Without NATO
Ukraine is working diligently with allies on security guarantees that would mirror NATO’s mutual protection pledge without actual membership. Meetings have recently been held in London with officials from Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to discuss these arrangements. While the proposal isn’t seeking NATO’s Article 5 protection explicitly, it aims to create similar security assurances through a “coalition of the willing” to support a peace deal with US backing.
“Maybe this isn’t the deal but maybe there is a deal to be had for a ceasefire and then for further negotiations that could lead to something more sustainable.” – Olga Oliker
The US proposals currently include recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and freezing the war along current lines. This arrangement would leave Russia in control of four Ukrainian regions, causing understandable anger among Ukrainians who have fought to defend their sovereignty. International law experts have also noted the dangerous precedent that would be set if Crimea’s annexation is formally recognized by the West. However, Russia’s apparent willingness to agree to a deal with frozen lines marks a significant shift in their previous position.
Ultimatum From Washington
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has delivered what amounts to an ultimatum from the Trump administration, indicating the US might abandon talks entirely if no substantial progress is made soon. The statement puts tremendous pressure on both Ukraine and Russia to compromise quickly or risk losing American involvement in the peace process. With winter approaching and Ukraine’s military in an increasingly difficult position, time is running out for a negotiated settlement.
“We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks. If it’s not possible, if we’re so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he’s going to say, ‘well, we’re done’.” – Marco Rubio
The stark reality appears to be that Ukraine, despite its brave resistance, may need to accept some territorial losses to end the devastating conflict. While Zelensky continues to publicly reject Russian control of Ukrainian territories, his counterproposal’s omission of language about recovering all territory speaks volumes about the practical compromises being considered behind closed doors. For many Americans watching this unfold, the question remains whether billions in American tax dollars and military aid will have ultimately failed to secure Ukraine’s original borders.
