A news outlet has leaked U.S. President Donald Trump's alleged plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 100 days, which the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said is false.
On Sunday, Strana, a Ukrainian outlet, published details of the purported plan to end the war in a few months, writing that it had been discussed in "political and diplomatic circles" in Ukraine. Newsweek was unable to independently verify whether the details of the plan were accurate.
Newsweek has contacted the White House, outside business hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Leaking Trump's alleged 100-day plan to end the war could jeopardize the success of peace negotiations, as Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could reject portions of the proposed agreement.
Zelensky previously spurned Trump's discussions of how to achieve peace, saying Trump's approach could lead to a ceasefire agreement that undermined Ukraine's territorial integrity.
What To Know
Trump's alleged 100-day plan to end the war in Ukraine includes conducting a phone call with Putin in late January or early February, meeting with both Putin and Zelensky in February or March, and declaring a ceasefire along the front lines by Easter, which falls on April 20 this year.
In declaring a ceasefire, Ukrainian troops would also be withdrawn from Kursk, and an International Peace Conference would commence its work to forge an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, to be mediated by other global powers. A declaration on the agreed parameters for ending the war would be released by May 9, after which Kyiv would be asked not to extend martial law or mobilize.
The proposed parameters of the agreement to end the war include barring Ukraine from becoming a member of NATO and declaring neutrality, Kyiv becoming a part of the EU by 2030, and the EU facilitating postwar reconstruction. Ukraine would also maintain the size of its army and continue to receive military support from the U.S. It would also "refuse military and diplomatic attempts to return the occupied territories" and "officially recognize the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over them."
The idea of lifting some sanctions against Russia was also noted, possibly within three years, depending on its compliance with the agreement to end the war. The restrictions on importing Russian energy sources to the EU would allegedly be lifted, with special duties imposed on them, and the funding going toward Ukraine's restoration.
The alleged proposals also include allowing parties advocating for peace with Russia to run in Kyiv's elections and holding separate consultations about maintaining a European contingent of peacekeepers after the conclusion of the war.
Zelensky's office has denied that the peace plan is legitimate. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, wrote on Telegram that the 100-day peace plan reported by the media did not "exist in reality." He added that such reports often disguised allegations spread by Russians.
Spravdi, a Ukrainian organization established to counter disinformation, wrote in 2021 that Strana had been "repeatedly mentioned in the monitoring of public organizations and international partners as one that communicates Russian propaganda."
What People Are Saying
Journalist Tim White wrote on X on Sunday: "Will the war end on 9 May? That's what a supposed document says, outlining Trump's 100-day plan. It's reported #Ukraine was passed the details via EU officials. However there's zero proof the timetable is real and even if it is, it's far from being achieved. #StandWithUkraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the media on Saturday: "Russia's war is against Ukraine, against Europe, against the whole world, but above all, the war is waged on our land. It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from any negotiating platform. Either this negotiating platform will have no real results, or it will have only political results. And such results will have nothing to do with security or the end of the war."
He added: "I would really like the European voice to be there as well. It is important for us because we will be members of the European Union. But I can't say clearly today what the structure of the negotiation process will be. Because we do not have a joint plan yet."
What Happens Next
Trump and Putin have repeatedly said they are ready to speak on the phone and begin peace negotiations. Zelensky has also said his administration is working to arrange a meeting with Washington.
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