U.S. Senators and Secretary of State Dispute Origins of Ukraine Peace Plan

At the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, U.S. senators expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's proposed 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, alleging it aligns closely with Russian interests. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota remarked, "It looked more like it was written in Russian to begin with."

The senators reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, en route to Geneva for discussions on the plan, characterized it as a "wish list of the Russians." Independent Senator Angus King of Maine stated, "He made it very clear to us that we are the recipients of a proposal that was delivered to one of our representatives. It is not our recommendation. It is not our peace plan."

Contradicting these accounts, Rubio asserted on social media that the proposal was authored by the U.S., incorporating input from both Russian and Ukrainian sides. A State Department spokesperson labeled the senators' claims as "blatantly false."

The peace plan, developed over a month by Rubio and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, includes provisions such as Ukraine ceding significant territory, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected. President Trump has urged Ukraine to accept the plan by late next week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the proposal, suggesting it could serve as the basis for a final peace settlement if the U.S. secures agreement from Ukraine and its European allies. Zelenskyy, while not outright rejecting the plan, emphasized the need for fair treatment and pledged to work calmly with Washington and other partners during this challenging period.