Washington – The US administration is preemptively defending President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Ukraine, even as it faces criticism from within its own ranks and European allies seek modifications. The move comes ahead of a key meeting in Switzerland today, where Ukrainian, European, and American officials are set to discuss the controversial proposal.
The Trump administration insists that its proposals “reflect actual US policy,” dismissing claims from senators that Secretary of State Marco Rubio privately described the plan as a “Russian wish list.” The 28-point plan, which reportedly includes concessions of Ukrainian territory long sought by Moscow, has generated confusion and hampered efforts to find a resolution to the conflict.
The meeting in Switzerland aims to address these concerns and find common ground. However, deep divisions remain.
Senators Voice Concerns
Following reports that the proposals heavily favor Moscow, several US senators addressed the issue during a press conference at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada. Senators Mike Rounds (Republican), Angus King (Independent), and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat) stated that Secretary Rubio informed them that the current plan regarding Ukraine does not represent the official US position. Instead, they claim it comprises a “Russian wish list.”
“What Rubio told us is that this is not the American proposal. This was a proposal that was received by someone representing Russia in this plan. It was delivered to Stephen Witkoff, Trump’s diplomatic envoy. It is not our recommendation, nor our plan for peace,” stated one senator. King corroborated these remarks, adding that the leaked 28-point plan, which Secretary Rubio allegedly said does not represent the official stance, is essentially a list of Russian demands being presented to the Europeans and Ukrainians.
The situation remains fluid, with significant uncertainty surrounding the future direction of US policy on Ukraine.
Trump stated yesterday that “this plan is not his final offer”, suggesting room for negotiation. However, the gap between the US proposal and the positions of Ukraine and its European allies remains substantial.
