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

As someone who has studied Ukraine and Russia for more than three decades, especially the war between the two countries over the last few years, I am naturally fascinated by the Trump administration’s recent efforts to broker peace.

The reaction I received from my contacts in Ukraine to the 28-point plan to end the war is not that positive.

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

“Any agreement must include Ukraine and Europe,” said another.

The general consensus of analysts is that the document is aimed mainly at Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is at the center of the events, was diplomatic in several statements, saying he was “reviewing the points”, mainly aimed at reaching an “honorable peace”.

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There are all kinds of talks going on right now between the United States and Ukraine and between European leaders. We even hear from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is no wonder: the stakes of this war for Europe and the world are enormous. If I were to send a quick note to Zelenskyy, it would be like this:

Dear Volodymyr,

So far, so good. You are not afraid and you promise to get engaged. An immediate rejection of this plan would be a non-starter.

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You stay calm (albeit a bit stern and determined) and talk to people.

My general advice is this: pick your fights, don’t sweat the small stuff, and keep the big picture in mind.

I know what your country is going through. Every time I come to Kiev I go to the same military cemetery outside the city and the grave gets bigger and bigger and sadder.

TRUMP CONTINUES HIS FIRE AGAINST RUSSIA WHILE WITHDRAWING TROOPS AND AVOIDING PRESSING XI ON OIL.

Coming to the points of the plan: there are many easy “taxes” to Russia. Rejoining the G-8. Gradual removal of sanctions. Amnesty for everything done by Russian troops. I know these things will stick in your pocket, but very few of them affect the future of your country.

Memorial flags and photographs commemorate the martyred Ukrainian soldiers in the ongoing war with Russia. (Fox News)

I said you shouldn’t “sweat the small stuff.” Some points may seem important. Like the banning of “Nazi ideology” in Ukraine. And the adoption of “EU rules on religious tolerance and linguistic minorities”. This is quite the window dressing for Moscow. It is not terrible that the Russian language and the Russian church have regained official status.

In fact, the glass of the plan is at least a third full for you. Affirming your sovereignty. Russia expected not to invade you again. You will receive reliable security guarantees. Reconstruction of commitments and human promises. All good. Just cut out the details. Make sure all parties commit.

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Now let’s get to the three points that, according to analysts, cross your red line.

Just like the rest of the eastern Donetsk region was handed over to Russia, although Moscow’s troops did not take it. In the plan, the region is referred to as a demilitarized zone. A divisive “DMZ” between North and South Korea. Well, keep them at that. There are no soldiers from either side. Tight security on both sides. An impartial body that runs things. And see if you can get them not to call them Russians.

Then there is the reduction of your army by a third. Union strength was limited to 600,000. That’s a huge disruption, but it’s still not a large enough force. That is, if… properly trained, well armed, and well positioned. Guarantees are needed for all this to happen.

Fox News senior foreign affairs correspondent Greg Palkot reported live from Kiev, Ukraine, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a long-stalled aid package for Ukraine. (Fox News)

ZELENSKYY WARNED UKRAINE FACES A ‘DIFFICULT CHOICE’ AS US PEACE PLAN FACES MAJOR OBSTACLES

And then there is the other red line: There are no NATO troops in Ukraine. This situation seems to disrupt the plan to deploy foreign peacekeepers in the field to monitor peace. A possible compromise? They are stationed around Ukraine’s borders, surveillance is closely monitoring events, and emergency response forces are on standby.

All of this has some benefits for the USA, such as getting a share of the restructuring profits. But that’s the price of doing business with President Trump.

What’s the Thanksgiving deadline to sign the deal? The president has already signaled that he is ready to sidestep this issue if it is discussed.

What about the other deadline? One hundred days until the new election? I know it’s a difficult time for you politically as corruption charges loom. This may be something you have to live with.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, this is my opinion.

Negotiations are likely to be scuttled by acrimonious discussion of any of these main points. But you know what the old adage is: “chin-jaw” is better than “war-fight.”

For the proud people of Ukraine, who suffered so much during this time, it is worth doing your best.

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Sincerely,

Greg