On November 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to discuss a proposed plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a proposal that would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, asserting that Zelensky would 'have to like it.' Zelensky rejected the plan, viewing it as heavily favoring Russia and asserting that he would not betray his country for the 28-point document. Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and set a deadline of November 27 for Ukraine to accept the proposal.

The proposal reportedly includes significant territorial concessions, a reduction in the size of Ukraine's military from approximately 800,000 to a maximum of 600,000 troops, and a pledge from Ukraine not to pursue NATO membership. It does not provide for the Western peacekeepers that Ukraine has requested, although it mentions the stationing of European warplanes in Poland. Trump suggested that continued fighting would only lead to further territorial losses for Ukraine.

Critics have raised alarms about the plan's implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy, as it appears to reward Russian President Vladimir Putin for his military actions. The plan includes provisions that would require Ukraine to abandon significant territories, including all of Donetsk province, which is critical for Ukraine's defense against Russian advances. This abandonment could leave Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression.

The proposal also suggests an amnesty for Russian forces accused of war crimes in Ukraine, which could undermine accountability for these actions. Additionally, the plan includes vague assurances of security guarantees for Ukraine, which lack specificity and raise doubts about their reliability, particularly in light of past breaches by Russia.

U.S. senators have criticized the proposal, with Independent Senator Angus King describing it as a significant geopolitical error that rewards aggressive actions by Russia. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen labeled it as a plan crafted by Putin, arguing that it undermines both American and Ukrainian interests. President Putin welcomed the proposal, suggesting it could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement, contingent upon agreement from Ukraine and its European allies.

The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with ongoing Russian airstrikes causing extensive damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties. A recent missile strike in Ternopil resulted in 31 deaths, including children, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. The Ukrainian military continues to face significant pressure, with reports of manpower shortages and draft evasion.

As discussions continue, a meeting is scheduled in Geneva involving security officials from the UK, France, Germany, the U.S., and Ukraine to address concerns about the proposal. Zelensky has emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's national interests against further Russian aggression, while European leaders have expressed alarm over the plan, underscoring the necessity of Ukrainian involvement in any negotiations regarding its future.