To the surprise of the international community and with a troubling case of team unease in Kyiv, a detailed 28-point peace proposal, believed to have been written by Donald Trump, has surfaced – and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted with cautious optimism and strong warning. He has accepted to review the offer, but he stipulates that his team should first confirm the authenticity of the deal, particularly that it is the result of side-channel politics and high concessions.
A Quiet Plan, Suddenly Public
The peace system, which many had whispered about in diplomatic circles, was initially agreed upon during a series of secret discussions. The plan was developed according to reports, in a parallel discussion between American diplomats and officials of the Kremlin circles, and it immediately caused controversy regarding its validity and equilibrium. Instead of growing into a multilateral agreement with Ukraine or other European partners involved in creating it, its initial disclosures indicate that it might lean more towards placating Moscow instead of protecting the future of Kyiv.
This tension is manifested in the reaction of Zelenskyy. He stated he is working on these proposals together with the U.S., but he is making it clear that his team will not overlook any of the clauses, as the plan will not be a cover-up or a trap. He explained that our groups will strive to make it all real, said he, so that whatever peace is made should be established upon real conditions, not illusions.
Within the 28 Points: Big Concessions and Big Guarantees.
According to publicly accessible summaries, the scheme requires the most serious sacrifices to Ukraine – and promises significant rewards in return:
Security Architecture Reset.
- An agreement on non-aggression between Ukraine, Russia, and Europe.
- A tension-filled confrontation between NATO and Moscow, with the U.S. in between.
- Guarantees of reliable security to Ukraine.
Military Limitations
- The military force of Ukraine would not exceed 600,000.
- An additional ban on future membership of NATO in the constitution, and NATO declaring officially that Ukraine will not be a member of it
- NATO would not place forces in Ukraine, but European jet planes might be stationed in Poland.
The Vision of Economic Reconstruction.
- Frozen Russian funds may be used as a huge reconstruction budget to upgrade infrastructure, technology, and energy systems in Ukraine
- Critical industries U.S.-Ukraine cooperation: oil pipelines, data systems, mineral mining, and so forth.
- An economic partnership in the long-term with the U.S. and a special fund and accompanied by the slow integration of Russia into international organizations such as the G8.
Humanitarian & Political Interventions.
- A hostage and civilians exchange, all-in-one.
- Humanitarian Committee and family reunification program to deal with war warfare.
- Elections in Ukraine will be held within 100 days, in a legally binding process.
- General Amnesty to all who fought in the war and a Peace Council, headed by Trump, to conduct compliance.
- Cessation as soon as both parties start withdrawing to accepted positions.
Zelenskyy’s Tightrope Walk
Zelenskyy is walking on a diplomatic tightrope. On the one hand, he is publicly determined to work with the plan and hopes that the U.S. intervention can compel Russia to take peace seriously. He even mentioned that he might receive a call with Trump to talk about the next steps.
However, he is not willing to secure his signature on the freedoms, the sovereignty, and the future partnership of Ukraine on a handshake alone. His demand to conduct due diligence is an indication that it is not merely a show of diplomacy on his part — it may redefine Ukraine as a security construct and its position in Europe.
He has allegedly emphasized that Ukraine must have a real peace that will not be invaded on a third occasion, implying that any agreement that sacrifices the national dignity or future defence strength would not be accepted.
Reactions, Risks & the Big Picture.
The plan draft has already provoked discussion in Europe. Other leaders are alarmed that the deal was far tilted to Moscow, or Ukraine was not consulted extensively on the terms of the deal.
Opponents fear that Kyiv would be forced into premature concessions, and it would not be able to protect itself or sustain independence in the long term. On the other hand, advocates believe that the American-brokered structure might eventually compel Russia to engage in serious compromises – and only, of course, in case the guarantees are hardened.
And it has a geopolitical gamble: if Ukraine makes the commitment, a backdoor to Russia returning to the global institutions may open. However, as long as Moscow does not keep its end, it might undermine the whole proposal and expose Kyiv to even greater risks.
What’s Next: Hope or Hype?
Ukraine is waiting cautiously at the moment. Zelenskyy is reported to hold technical consultations with the U.S. counterparts.
The Zelenskyy-Trump meeting or call is a possibility.
But the way ahead is dangerous:
Enforcement is essential: Zelenskyy should be sure that each of the points is binding and not mere diplomacy.
European buy-in issues: It is not a deal that would be weakened unless the EU and NATO are on board, or the deal may not be passed at all.
Long-term protection: Although this plan may be adopted, how will it be checked? Who will make sure Russia does not break its duties?
Domestic politics: The adoption of such a plan would lead to a backlash within Ukraine, particularly when it would be seen to be giving up too much to achieve too little.
Final Reflection
The 28-point peace plan presented by Trump is not only ambitious, but it is also quite provocative. It provides Ukraine with a potential means of breaking out of a destructive war – at a very high cost. Not merely a peace bargain, it is a test of trust, strength, and geopolitical determination.
Open but cautious, this strategy of Zelenskyy could likely become the future of Ukraine. However, by deftly negotiating these talks, he can get a deal which will bring true peace rather than a temporary ceasefire. However, in case of his slip, the deal may turn into a curse to him- maybe, in the face of diplomacy, Ukraine will be undermined.
