Republican and Democratic senators criticise Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal, warning against territorial concessions and military restrictions that reward Putin
WASHINGTON: US lawmakers from both parties have criticised President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine that incorporates hardline Russian demands.
Republican and Democratic senators warned the proposal would fatally degrade Ukraine’s defensive capabilities while rewarding Russian aggression.
A bipartisan group of senators stated “we will not achieve that lasting peace by offering Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.”
“History teaches us that Putin only understands strength and will not abide by any agreement unless it is backed by force,” their joint statement added.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a veteran Republican, called the plan disastrous for American interests.
“Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests,” McConnell posted on social media platform X.
He added that Putin has “spent the entire year trying to play President Trump for a fool.”
Senator Roger Wicker, Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed deep skepticism about the proposal’s effectiveness.
“Ukraine should not be forced to give up its lands to one of the world’s most flagrant war criminals in Vladimir Putin,” Wicker stated.
He emphasised that Ukraine should determine its own military size without external imposition.
Wicker warned that “any assurances provided to Putin should not reward his malign behavior or undermine the security of the United States or allies.”
Senate Banking Committee chair Tim Scott separately advocated for stronger sanctions against Russia.
“I’m committed to advancing strong common sense sanctions that put pressure on the Kremlin and give President Trump maximum leverage to secure peace,” Scott stated.
Ukrainian and US officials will soon meet in Switzerland to discuss Washington’s peace proposal.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated he will present alternative approaches to Trump’s 28-point plan.
European allies excluded from the drafting process have suggested the proposal requires “additional work.”
Putin has described the blueprint as potentially foundational for final settlement negotiations.
The Russian leader simultaneously threatened additional territorial seizures if Ukraine rejects the proposed terms. – AFP
