The United States is reportedly preparing to recognise Russia’s grip on Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian lands as part of a bold peace offer aimed at ending the brutal conflict. President Donald Trump has sent his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner straight to Moscow to seal the deal with Vladimir Putin.
Peace Deal Demands Ukraine Cedes Land and Cuts Military
The leaked 28-point peace plan has sparked fury across Europe and Washington. It requires Ukraine to surrender swathes of territory—including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—and limit its army to just 600,000 troops.
- US would officially acknowledge Russian control of annexed Crimea and key eastern regions
- Proposed demilitarised buffer zones freeze current battle lines without forcing Ukraine to formally concede
- Security guarantees for Ukraine offered but vague, short-lived (possibly just a decade)
Russian forces currently hold about 19% of Ukraine, advancing at their fastest rate since early 2022.
Trump Envoys Head to Moscow as Putin Demands Full Ukrainian Withdrawal
On November 25, Trump announced the upcoming Moscow visit, confirmed by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Putin called the proposal a possible “basis for future agreements,” but remains firm on one demand: Ukrainian troops must leave all occupied lands or Russia will press on “by armed means.”
“If they don’t leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. That’s it.” – Vladimir Putin
Despite this, Trump claimed the talks are close to resolution with “only a few remaining points of disagreement,” and ordered ongoing dialogue with Ukrainian officials.
Leaked Call Reveals Effort to Sell Plan to Trump
A leaked call between Witkoff and Ushakov exposed the US envoy advising Russia how to pitch the deal to Trump—framing Putin as a “man of peace” and congratulating Trump on a Gaza ceasefire.
Trump dismissed it as “standard negotiation.” Kremlin denounced the leak as a sabotage attempt.
Europe and US Lawmakers Outraged
European allies fear being cut out of negotiations. One source told The Telegraph, “The Americans don’t care about the European position. They say the Europeans can do whatever they want.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer slammed the plan as “not acceptable” but welcomed security guarantees. He’s rallying Europe’s 34 Ukraine backers to coordinate a response.
In Washington, critics warn that recognising Russian annexations rewards aggression and breaks international law. Supporters call it a pragmatic step to stop the carnage and slow Russian advances.
Ukraine Under Pressure as Trump Halts Aid
Kyiv has tentatively accepted revised terms but faces fierce domestic opposition. Zelenskyy reportedly wants a meeting with Trump as soon as possible—potentially on Thanksgiving Day—to iron out details.
Trump has paused new aid to Ukraine pending a deal, tightening the screws with a November 27 deadline, now pushed back.
Global Fallout and Divided Opinions
Experts warn that approving Russia’s Crimea grab could embolden aggressors worldwide and weaken NATO and EU unity.
On social media, pro-Ukraine voices slam the deal as “surrender” and “betrayal,” while supporters praise it as “peace through strength.” Fears grow that it undermines decades of post-1945 border stability.
Trump Hails Peacemakers, Summit Talks Loom
The White House remains hopeful, with Trump declaring, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” A possible summit with Putin and Zelenskyy could happen if terms align.
But with huge gaps still to bridge, the world watches nervously. Ukraine faces a stark choice: accept painful losses and security guarantees or keep fighting a devastating war as Russia gains ground.
This plan would mark a seismic shift, recognising Russian control over Crimea after over a decade of Western refusal.
