Senators warn Trump’s Ukraine peace plan concedes land to Russia and weakens defenses

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s decisive move to end the war in Ukraine has sparked a fierce backlash from Capitol Hill, with a bipartisan group of Senators warning that his peace plan risks "fatally degrading" the embattled nation’s defenses.

While Trump has framed his proposal as a necessary step to stop the bloodshed "one way or the other," critics argue that the deal offers too many victories to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Five senators - three Democrats, one Republican, and one Independent - issued a joint statement expressing "significant concerns" over the plan, which reportedly requires Ukraine to cede territory and abandon its NATO ambitions.

Senators claim Trump's deal offers 'concession after concession'

The bipartisan group, consisting of Sens Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-Del), and Angus King (I-Maine), blasted the proposal as a surrender in disguise.

"We share significant concerns over the details of the reported peace plan that has been released," the senators wrote, arguing that "lasting peace" cannot be achieved by "offering Putin concession after concession."

The lawmakers echoed the traditional foreign policy stance that has dominated Washington for decades, insisting that "Putin only understands strength" and that any agreement not backed by force will fail.

They called on the administration to put "real pressure" on Russia rather than forcing Ukraine to the negotiating table under unfavorable terms.

Trump insists the Russia-Ukraine war 'should have never happened'

Unfazed by the criticism from the establishment, Trump defended his push for a resolution during brief remarks on Saturday. The president reiterated his long-standing belief that the conflict was a failure of previous leadership.

"We’d like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago," Trump said. "The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened. If I were president, it never would have happened."

Trump has reportedly given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a deadline of November 27 to accept the deal, signaling his impatience with the prolonged stalemate.

"We’re trying to get it ended one way or the other. We have to get it," Trump declared, positioning himself as a leader willing to make the tough calls to stop the fighting.

Details of Trump's controversial Russia-Ukraine peace proposal 

While not independently confirmed by all outlets, circulated points of the plan suggest a stark reality check for Kyiv. The deal would reportedly require Ukraine to give up eastern territories, including the Donbas, which Russia has occupied for years.

Additionally, Ukraine would be required to cap the size of its military and forgo seeking NATO membership, a key demand of Moscow, in exchange for security guarantees from the United States.

Zelenskyy has pushed back hard, warning that Ukraine risks "losing its dignity" and the support of the US if it signs such an agreement.

European leaders and Vladimir Putin weigh in on Trump's plan 

European leaders are also resisting the president's fast-track approach. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the deal needs "additional work," specifically expressing concern over limits on Ukraine's military.

"We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack," von der Leyen said, signaling that Europe is not ready to sign off on Trump’s vision.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin offered a lukewarm reception, stating the agreement could represent a "basis" for peace but denying that substantive talks were currently ongoing.