Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan Would Cede Territory to Russia, Limit Kyiv’s Military: AP Report

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war would require Ukraine to surrender territory, cap the size of its military, and halt NATO’s future expansion—an outcome widely seen as a major geopolitical win for Moscow, according to a draft proposal obtained by the Associated Press (AP).

A file photo shared by Reuters shows Trump previously signalling concerns over NATO, which Russia views as a strategic threat.

Key Points of the Draft Plan

1. Territorial Concessions to Russia

Under the proposal, Ukraine would be required to cede disputed regions currently occupied by Russian forces. While the document does not specify which territories, Moscow has insisted on retaining control over areas it claims to have annexed since 2014 and 2022.

2. Limits on Ukraine’s Armed Forces

The plan imposes strict limits on the size and capabilities of Ukraine’s military, effectively reducing Kyiv’s long-term defence capacity and altering the military balance in Eastern Europe.

3. Freeze on NATO Expansion

The draft explicitly blocks any future expansion of NATO, a long-standing demand from Russia.
Analysts say this could reshape Europe’s security architecture and severely limit Kyiv’s aspirations to join the Western military alliance.

4. Use of Frozen Russian Assets

Around $100 billion in frozen Russian assets held by Western nations would be redirected to rebuild Ukrainian infrastructure destroyed during the war. This part of the plan appears designed to appeal to both sides:

• Ukraine gets reconstruction funds,

• Russia potentially regains access to global markets.

5. Pathway for Russia’s Reintegration

The plan outlines long-term steps toward lifting sanctions on Russia and restoring its position in global financial and diplomatic forums.
Notably, it includes a pathway for Moscow to rejoin what was formerly the Group of Eight (G8)—a bloc it was removed from in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.

A Major Strategic Victory for Moscow?

If implemented, Trump’s plan would deliver Russia:

• Territorial gains

• A weakened Ukrainian military

• Guarantees against NATO expansion

• A route back into the global economic system

This aligns closely with the Kremlin’s stated wartime objectives.

Reactions

As of now:

• The Biden administration has not responded publicly to the leaked draft.

• Ukrainian officials have previously rejected any plan requiring territorial concessions.

• NATO leaders have consistently maintained that Russia cannot dictate alliance decisions.

The proposal is likely to spark intense global debate, especially in Europe, where concerns are growing about U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance.