Ukraine reacts negatively to Trump’s detailed 28-point peace plan

Having covered Ukraine…and Russia…for more than three decades, particularly the war between the two countries in recent years, I have naturally been fascinated by the Trump administration’s latest efforts to broker peace.

The reaction of my contacts in Ukraine to the 28-point plan to end the war is not very positive.

“It’s not worth the paper it’s written on,” one observer said.

“Any deal should include Ukraine…and Europe,” another said.

The general consensus among analysts is that the document is heavily biased toward Moscow. The man at the center of the debate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been diplomatic in various statements, essentially saying he is “reexamining the points” with a view to achieving a “dignified peace.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Fox News correspondent Greg Palkot in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 2024, while covering the ongoing war with Russia. (Fox News)

US, RUSSIA PROPOSE PEACE PLAN FOR UKRAINE REQUIRING MAJOR CONCESSIONS FROM kyiv

All kinds of discussions are currently taking place between the United States and Ukraine as well as between European leaders. We even hear from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is not surprising: the stakes of this war for Europe and the world are enormous. If I were to send a short message to Zelensky, it would go something like this:

Dear Volodymyr,

So far, so good. You didn’t panic and you promised to commit. A categorical rejection of this project would have been a failure.

TRUMP AND ZELENSKYY AGREE ON A CRUCIAL ASPECT TO END THE WAR IN UKRAINE: “GOOD COMPROMISE”

You stay cool (although a little dark and determined) and talk to people.

My general advice is: pick your battles, don’t worry about the little things, and keep the big picture in mind.

I know what your country is going through. Every time I’m in kyiv, I go to the same military cemetery outside the city, and it gets bigger and sadder.

Trump fire fades on Russia as he withdraws troops, avoids pressuring XI on oil

So, regarding the points of the plan: there are many easy “gifts” to give to Russia. Join the G8. Gradual abandonment of sanctions. Grant amnesty for everything Russian troops have done. I know these things will stick in your stomach, but it won’t affect the future of your country much.

Memorial flags and photos commemorate fallen Ukrainian soldiers amid the ongoing war with Russia. (Fox News)

I mentioned that you shouldn’t “sweat the small stuff.” Some points may seem important. Like banning “Nazi ideology” in Ukraine. And by adopting “EU rules on religious tolerance and linguistic minorities”. It’s a sort of front for Moscow. There is nothing horrible about the Russian language and the Russian Church regaining official status.

In fact, the plan glass is at least a third full for you guys. Confirm your sovereignty. Russia no longer planned to invade you. You will benefit from reliable security guarantees. Reconstruction commitments and humanitarian promises. They are all good. Just fix the details. Get all parties to commit for sure.

COULD TRUMP’S GAZA CEASEFIRE PLAN OFFER A PLAN FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE?

Now let’s move on to three of the points that analysts say cross your red line.

It’s like handing over the rest of the eastern Donetsk region to Russia, even though Moscow’s troops didn’t even take it. The region is referred to as a demilitarized zone in the plan. A “DMZ” that divides North and South Korea. Well, hold them to that. No troops on either side. Reinforced security on both sides. A neutral body that runs things. And see if you can convince them not to call it Russian!

Then there is the reduction of a third of your military strength. Strength limited to 600,000 men. That’s a huge reduction, but it’s still not a bad-sized force. At least if… he was properly trained, well armed and finely positioned. Guarantees are needed to make all this happen.

Fox News Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent Greg Palkot reports live from kyiv, Ukraine that the U.S. House of Representatives approves a long-stalled aid package for Ukraine. (Fox News)

ZELENSKYY WARNS UKRAINE FACED “DIFFICULT CHOICE” AS US PEACE PLAN RAISES MAJOR OBSTACLE

And then there is the other red line: no NATO troops in Ukraine. This would appear to derail the plan to send foreign peacekeepers into the field, which was being developed, to monitor the peace. A possible compromise? They are stationed around the Ukrainian borders, surveillance is closely monitoring the situation, and rapid response forces are ready.

There are also some “gifts” for the United States in all this, such as sharing the benefits of reconstruction. But that’s the price of doing business with President Trump.

As for the Thanksgiving deadline to sign the deal? The president has already indicated that he is prepared to leave this aside if there are discussions.

And this other deadline? One hundred days before new elections? I know this is a difficult time for you politically with these corruption charges coming up. This may be something you have to live with.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, that’s my opinion.

Negotiations risk collapsing if any of these main points are seriously discussed. But you know what the old adage is: “jaw-jaw” is better than “war-war.”

For the proud Ukrainian people, who suffered so much during this period, it is worth doing your best.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sincerely,

Greg