Ohio Representative Mike Turner expressed concerns about the White House-backed peace plan for Ukraine, suggesting it may be too favorable to Russia and emphasizing the need to view Russia as a skeptical adversary. Turner, speaking on “Face the Nation,” highlighted that any peace arrangement must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty, acknowledging comments made by Senator Marco Rubio in Miami. The plan has undergone revisions following initial criticism. Turner also expressed concern over reports suggesting a potential orchestration of communication, giving Russia preferential positioning prior to speaking with the President.
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President Trump has withdrawn the ultimatum given to Ukraine regarding a peace plan, shifting from a specific deadline to a more open-ended approach for ending the war. While en route to Florida, Trump reported that US negotiators are making progress in talks with Russia and that Moscow has agreed to some concessions. Concerns have arisen in Europe and Ukraine regarding the framework, particularly the pressure to accept a deal that may strongly favor Moscow. Furthermore, Trump announced that envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week, along with Jared Kushner’s involvement, to continue negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
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Leaked transcripts from Bloomberg reveal that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff coached a Putin aide on how to manage President Trump and suggested a peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. The transcripts detail Witkoff encouraging the Russian aide to have Putin flatter Trump and praising a Mideast peace deal to get Trump to favor Russia. Furthermore, it appears a 28-point U.S.-Russian peace plan favored Russia and was heavily amended, potentially originating from the Russian side. Reactions include calls for Witkoff’s replacement by Ukrainian officials and accusations that the leaks are fake.
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U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll delivered a pessimistic assessment to Ukrainian officials, warning of imminent defeat due to escalating Russian attacks and a dwindling ability to supply weapons. Driscoll presented a U.S.-backed peace plan, viewed as a capitulation to Moscow, encouraging immediate negotiation. This meeting exposed a rift within the Trump administration, with some officials favoring concessions to Russia and others advocating for continued pressure. While the initial peace proposal faced resistance, it was revised with Ukrainian input and now represents a living document, though its final acceptance is uncertain.
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American volunteers and veterans assisting Ukraine are expressing dismay and embarrassment over Donald Trump’s continued influence and actions regarding the war effort. A leaked 28-point peace plan, reportedly drafted by a Trump envoy, has been widely criticized as echoing Vladimir Putin’s demands and betraying Ukraine. This plan reportedly includes significant concessions that would cede territory and compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty, causing anger among those dedicated to supporting the country. Some believe that the US government is motivated by financial gain.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the US’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine needs significant revisions before it is acceptable to Ukraine and Europe. Macron emphasized that the plan, while a step toward peace, contains elements that could be perceived as capitulation. He clarified that any decisions regarding territorial compromises rest solely with Ukraine and that the plan should not dictate terms favorable to Russia. Furthermore, Macron highlighted the importance of Ukraine rebuilding its military and emphasized Europe’s authority over frozen Russian assets.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his approval of the amended peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, with the revised version incorporating “correct elements”. The initial 28-point plan, which was perceived as favoring Russia, was revised after objections from Ukraine’s European allies. While details of the new 19-point plan are still developing, sensitive issues, including territorial concessions, will be discussed by leaders. A virtual meeting of Ukraine’s European allies is scheduled to discuss the latest developments, with a focus on achieving a just and lasting peace.
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Following negotiations in Switzerland, Ukraine has significantly altered the US peace plan, reducing the initial 28 points to 19 and removing some of Russia’s maximalist demands. Kyiv insists the current frontline should serve as the starting point for territorial discussions and that it retains the right to decide on EU and NATO membership. While US officials have expressed optimism, Moscow indicated the plan requires further revisions, rejecting a European counter-proposal. European leaders emphasize the need for their full involvement and for Russia to participate in talks to achieve a just and lasting peace, while the situation remains volatile amid ongoing attacks.
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In Halifax, Nova Scotia, several lawmakers expressed concerns about a Trump-backed peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them the plan was essentially a Russian “wish list.” The State Department refuted this account as false, while Rubio himself disputed the senators’ version of events. The controversial 28-point proposal, which reportedly concedes to numerous Russian demands, was considered a starting point for further negotiations by the Trump administration. The senators believe the plan rewards aggression and have concerns over its implementation.
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In South Africa, amidst the G20 summit, a joint statement issued by multiple world leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan, which Zelenskyy must accept or reject by a deadline, is seen as potentially favoring Russia by proposing territorial concessions and limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces. World leaders, who met on the edges of the G20 summit, are committed to ensuring that any future peace is sustainable and are ready to engage to protect Ukraine’s interest. Trump has stated that Zelenskyy will have to accept the plan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested it could form a basis for a final peace settlement. However, leaders like Keir Starmer have noted Russia’s lack of commitment to peace and its continued aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker