Trump administration pressures Ukraine to consider controversial peace proposals

Trump pressures Ukraine with peace plan recognising Crimea, limiting NATO.

Ukraine is facing mounting pressure from the Trump administration to respond to a controversial list of peace proposals aimed at ending its war with Russia. The US proposals, delivered in Paris last week, include recognising Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, barring Ukraine from joining NATO, and placing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under neutral control. Kyiv is expected to deliver its response at a follow-up meeting in London later this week, the Wall Street Journal reported.

US push for immediate progress

The ideas were shared with senior Ukrainian officials in Paris on Thursday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. According to Western officials, the meeting also included top Ukrainian figures such as Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. A senior US State Department official later emphasised that the proposals were not final offers but a list of options for Kyiv’s consideration. Secretary Rubio warned that the US may halt its diplomatic efforts if meaningful progress isn’t made in the coming days.

Controversial concessions on the table

The Trump administration's proposals represent a significant departure from prior US policy. Recognising Russia’s claim to Crimea would reverse over a decade of bipartisan US opposition to the annexation. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had previously denounced the move as a violation of international law. In US Congress, legislation has repeatedly codified opposition to such recognition.

In addition, the proposal to bar Ukraine from NATO membership could undermine one of Kyiv’s long-standing strategic goals. Kellogg said bluntly on Fox News that “NATO isn’t on the table.” Another proposal would designate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and surrounding area as neutral territory, potentially under US control. Trump reportedly floated the idea in a call with President Zelensky, suggesting the US acquire Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure as a form of protection.

No guarantees for Russian withdrawal

While the proposals stop short of recognising Russia’s claims to four eastern Ukrainian regions, they also don’t require the Russian military to withdraw from occupied territory. Western officials said the suggested cease-fire would likely align with existing battle lines, freezing the conflict without resolving territorial disputes.

Despite the administration’s diplomatic outreach, it has not yet imposed additional pressure on Russia through sanctions or withheld support from European allies assisting Ukraine. US officials maintain that Ukraine retains the sovereign right to make bilateral security agreements, and European nations could still deploy troops as part of a reassurance force.

A precarious moment for Kyiv

Ukraine has indicated openness to a comprehensive 30-day cease-fire, provided Moscow reciprocates. But Ukrainian officials remain sceptical, noting continued Russian attacks even during a brief Easter truce. The security guarantees Kyiv might receive under a potential settlement remain unclear, and it’s uncertain whether the US will offer support for European nations involved in Ukraine’s post-war security.

As the US, Ukraine, and European allies prepare to meet in London, the fate of these controversial proposals—and of Ukraine’s sovereignty—hangs in the balance.