Kyiv, Ukraine – A new peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism in Ukraine, with troops, experts, and former diplomats warning it undermines the country’s sovereignty and favors Russia’s wartime objectives.

The plan comes as Russian forces continue heavy attacks on southeastern Ukraine. In Zaporizhzhia and other frontline cities, civilians face nightly shelling, drone strikes, and destructive attacks on energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts during freezing night temperatures.

Ukrainian Reactions: Feeling Betrayed

Many Ukrainians see the Trump plan, which threatens to freeze U.S. military aid if Kyiv rejects it, as a betrayal. Bohdan, a Ukrainian drone operator on leave from the eastern front, described it as a bitter reminder of the West’s indecisiveness:

“They kept withholding military aid, couldn’t agree on how to respond, and we keep paying for their indecisiveness with our blood, the blood of our children.”

Civilians also expressed anger and disbelief. Yevheniya Demyanenko, a Kyiv shop owner, said:

“Everything and everyone is against us. And now this halfwit in the White House wants us to capitulate. Again.”

Key Concerns About the Peace Plan

Analysts argue the proposal largely mirrors the Kremlin’s demands and contains vague clauses with limited security guarantees for Ukraine:

• Ukraine would lose undefined U.S. security guarantees if it “attacks” Russia.
• Kyiv must constitutionally renounce NATO membership.
• Moscow’s control over Crimea, Luhansk, and most of Donetsk would be recognized de facto.
• Ukraine would be required to hold elections within 100 days, without clear security or oversight arrangements.

Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, called the plan a “triple triumph” for Russia, undermining Ukraine, U.S. diplomacy, and Europe’s security architecture.

Mariia Kucherenko of the Come Back Alive think tank warned that the plan equates the aggressor with the victim, leaving many critical questions about implementation, voter security, and territorial governance unanswered.

Ukrainian Parliament’s Response

Kyiv has firmly rejected key elements of the plan, including recognition of occupied territories, limits on military size, and restrictions on NATO membership. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that any agreement must be “dignified” and “lasting,” requiring updates and refinements.

European leaders have also weighed in, insisting that a ceasefire must be immediate, allow Ukraine to eventually join NATO, and ensure frozen Russian assets are used for reconstruction.

Military Context

Despite ongoing Russian advances, Ukrainian forces maintain resilience. Bohdan noted that Russia has made limited territorial gains at high costs, with heavy casualties among Russian troops. Analysts warn, however, that without international support and clear peace terms, southeastern cities like Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro remain at risk.

Conclusion

The proposed U.S. plan has sparked outrage in Ukraine and Europe, seen as a potential capitulation to Russia. Kyiv continues to demand a strategy that protects sovereignty, ensures security, and provides a framework for long-term recovery and eventual EU and NATO integration.