Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he views U.S. President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine as a potential foundation for a “final peaceful settlement” to the war, signaling a rare moment of alignment between Moscow and Washington. According to Putin, while the plan has not yet been fully negotiated in detail, it represents a serious basis for long-term diplomatic resolution.
Key Elements of Putin’s Endorsement
- Putin confirmed that Moscow has received a full copy of the 28-point plan, which he described as “modernized” and reflecting many of Russia’s core territorial and security demands.
- Speaking at a meeting of his Security Council, Putin stated that the plan could serve as a launchpad for a permanent peace deal — but emphasized that no detailed talks have yet taken place between Russian and U.S. officials on its full contents.
- He reiterated that while some compromise is possible, Kyiv and its Western allies are reluctant to accept the proposal as it stands.
- Putin also warned that further Russian advances could continue if Kyiv rejects the plan, framing the proposal not as a surrender but as a realistic alternative to continued conflict.
What Does the Plan Propose — and Why Russia Is Interested
According to media reports, Trump’s 28-point offer includes major concessions and security re-arrangements that have long formed part of Moscow’s red lines:
- Reducing Ukraine’s armed forces
- Limiting Ukraine’s future NATO prospects
- Recognition of Russian control over Crimea and other contested territories
- Security guarantees for Ukraine mediated by the U.S. in exchange for territorial and military rollback
- Economic reconstruction tied to frozen Russian assets being unlocked to fund rebuilding — a proposal that could relieve some financial pressure on Moscow.
For Putin, this framework represents a chance to legitimize territorial acquisitions in Ukraine while cloaking those demands in a diplomatic text.
Kyiv’s Fierce Pushback
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed serious concern, claiming the proposal would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and compromise its future.
- Zelenskyy characterized the plan as forcing Ukraine into an “impossible choice” — between ceding its dignity or abandoning key alliances, notably with the U.S.
- Ukrainian officials and European leaders have warned that any deal based on the 28-point draft could amount to de facto capitulation, especially if it requires Ukraine to relinquish more territory.
Implications & Risks
Diplomatic Gamble: Putin’s endorsement lends legitimacy to the plan, but staying overly committed could constrain Moscow’s future military ambitions if Ukraine resists.
Western Backlash: Supporting a plan so favorable to Russia could isolate the U.S. from its European allies, who have repeatedly said any deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Negotiation Leverage: By calling for flexibility, Putin may be signaling readiness to negotiate — but only if Kyiv shows serious interest in substantive compromise.
Domestic Messaging: This move allows Putin to portray the war effort as open to diplomacy, potentially bolstering his standing at home if framed as a path to real gains.
Final Thought
Putin’s public backing of Trump’s 28-point peace plan represents a bold and strategically loaded moment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. By elevating the proposal as a basis for peace, Moscow may be seeking to reset negotiations — not simply to pause fighting, but to secure long-term political recognition and territorial control.
Whether Kyiv or its allies accept this framework remains to be seen. But with both the content of the plan and Putin’s tone, the stakes for any potential peace deal have never been clearer.
📚 References
- Reuters – Putin says U.S. peace plan can be the basis for peace in Ukraine Reuters
- Al Jazeera – Trump’s 28-point plan: What does it ask of Ukraine? Al Jazeera
- Axios – Trump’s 28-point plan includes NATO-style security guarantees Axios+1
- Euronews – Zelenskyy faces losing dignity or key partner over Trump deal: Putin euronews
- EFE – Putin says he sees U.S. peace plan as basis for ‘definitive’ settlement EFE Noticias
- AA News – Putin says U.S. proposal ‘could serve as basis’ for Ukraine settlement Anadolu Ajansı
- The Guardian – Zelenskyy warns of painful concessions as 28-point peace deal looms theguardian.com+1
