What are Putin’s Ultimate Demands for Peace in Ukraine?
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Ukraine Peace Proposals diverge: A Witkoff Plan for Russia, a Rubio Plan for Ukraine
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As of November 28, 2025, two distinct peace proposals for the conflict in Ukraine – one drafted by Derek Witkoff and another by Marco Rubio – are emerging, reflecting the diverging interests of Russia and Ukraine.These plans, developed following meetings in Geneva, highlight the enduring challenges to achieving a lasting resolution.
The Emergence of Two Plans
On November 24, 2025, Ukrainian officials announced a nineteen-point peace plan developed after meetings with U.S.Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American officials in Geneva. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the draft “many of the right elements have been taken into account.” Reuters
The following day, November 25, 2025, former President Trump announced that Derek witkoff would travel to Moscow, while Dan Driscoll, the Secretary of the Army, would travel to kyiv. Trump indicated “there are only a few remaining points of disagreement,” but the emergence of two distinct proposals – the Witkoff plan and the Rubio plan – became clear. One proposal is perceived to align with Russian interests, while the other favors Ukraine. The New York Times
Ukraine’s Battlefield Realities and Willingness to Concede
Throughout Trump’s second term,Ukrainian officials have demonstrated a greater willingness to make concessions than commonly understood. This stems from the challenging military situation on the ground. While not facing complete collapse, Ukraine suffers from a shortage of combat-ready infantry and insufficient drone defenses against the Russian offensive.the Washington Post
Russia, despite incurring significant losses, has gained operational momentum. The situation around Zaporizhzhia in the south is now as concerning as the intense fighting for Pokrovsk in the east. Internal dissent within the Ukrainian military is growing, with questions raised about the competency of the high command and the ability to maintain defensive lines.
Balazs jarabik, a former European diplomat with extensive connections to both sides, notes the increasing pressure on Ukraine to find a negotiated solution. He suggests that the Ukrainian government is quietly exploring options that would have been unthinkable earlier in the conflict. Foreign Policy
Key Differences between the Plans
While the specific details of both plans remain largely confidential, initial reports suggest significant differences. The Rubio plan reportedly prioritizes Ukrainian territorial integrity and security guarantees, possibly