A proposed peace plan for Ukraine from former US President Donald Trump has triggered what is being described as the most severe crisis in Trans-Atlantic relations since the start of the war, and potentially since NATO's inception.
The Content of the Plan
The 28-point proposal, analysed by Sky News' international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, is viewed by critics as effectively a surrender ultimatum for Ukraine. The plan, dated Friday 21 November 2025, is seen to heavily favour Russian demands.
The key points of the plan include:
- Ukraine would cede all territory seized by Russian forces during Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion.
- Additional territories where Russian forces suffered colossal losses but failed to capture would also be part of the deal.
- Kyiv would be permanently barred from joining NATO and forbidden from hosting foreign troops or allowing certain diplomatic flights.
- The Ukrainian military would be neutered, forced to reduce its size by more than half and prohibited from possessing long-range weapons.
A Fundamental Betrayal of Western Principles
The most alarming aspect for Western leaders is a clause proposing that NATO and Russia negotiate with America acting as a mediator. This fundamentally redefines America's role from the strongest partner in the Western alliance to an outside arbitrator, revealing a chilling lack of commitment.
If accepted, the plan would reward armed aggression and trample on the sacrosanct post-WWII principle that borders cannot be changed by force. The Kremlin would have successfully imposed terms on a country it violently invaded.
Analysts warn this will not bring lasting peace. Vladimir Putin has a proven track record of regrouping and returning for more. Rewarding this aggression by ceding key fortress cities like Donetsk could give Russia a clear path to Kyiv in the future.
The Consequences for Europe
The plan presents a daunting challenge to European leaders. Efforts to keep the maverick president onside, including sycophantic displays from NATO officials, have failed and may have worsened the situation.
World leaders praising Trump for his Gaza ceasefire plan are seen to have encouraged him to believe he can solve the world's most complex conflicts with minimal effort. The Gaza plan itself is now mired in difficulty and failed to address the war's root causes.
As one former Baltic foreign minister starkly put it: "This is the end of the end." The message for Europe is glaringly obvious: Ukraine's security, and therefore Europe's security, is now entirely Europe's responsibility.
If Europe does not step up to guarantee Ukraine's security in the face of this perceived American betrayal, the consequences could be severe and paid by all.
