Reactions to Trump’s Peace Deal for Russia-Ukraine War: T...

By  Joshua Sammons

Community Manager

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Welcome to The Conversation, Newsweek’s weekly roundup of our reader comments from the past week. We turn our focus to Ukraine and Russia, after it was revealed that President Donald Trump had reportedly proposed putting together a plan to end a war that has raged for nearly four years.

The latest plan would reportedly grant Russia expanded control over two eastern Ukrainian territories in exchange for security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe. This has been met with concern from Ukraine and its supporters—with a Ukrainian advocacy group telling Newsweek the plan would amount to a "capitulation" for Kyiv.

On his campaign trail in 2024, Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day in office, but since assuming the presidency he has struggled to end the brutal war.

Ukraine agreed to discuss Trump's plan but made clear its "red lines" to the United Nations Security Council—including no recognition of Ukrainian territory as Russian and no limits on Kyiv's armed forces.

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Here is what our readers had to say:

On Trump’s New Peace Deal for the Russia-Ukraine War

Original Article: Trump’s New Peace Deal for Russia-Ukraine War: Everything We Know

Background: Trump’s 28-Point Ukraine-Russia peace plan, which can be read in full here, suggests:

Ukraine's sovereignty will be confirmed;
The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel;
Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.

Original Comment: "If we go this route what will be the next steps? Reintroducing a dictator and invader in the international community as if nothing happened? Has it been discussed who will pay for all the casualties to Ukraine? I couldn't imagine getting back to business as usual. I would be very interested to know which kind of business Trump negotiated in the background?”—vinduval

Editor’s Note: In response to this article, this commenter raises questions about how a potential peace deal would handle accountability, recovery, and future relations. Their concerns reflect views echoed by other readers.

Original Comment: "So basically, 10 months later, Trump gives Putin everything he wants. Including empty security promises that the U.S. will honor, much the same as they did with the promises given to Ukraine 30 years ago"—popisannoyed

Editor’s Note: This reader questions whether the proposed security guarantees carry meaningful weight, drawing comparisons to past commitments. Their skepticism reflects a broader concern over whether Ukraine would receive dependable long-term protection.

Original Comment: "Since Russia is effectively losing the war, I don't see why Ukraine should give up at all. One good push and Russia is done. If Trump's plan is rejected yet again by Russia, then he should just go back to America fully arming the Ukrainians until Russia capitulates."—CaIven

Editor’s Note: Here, the commenter argues that Ukraine maintains momentum and should not concede territory. Their perspective emphasizes continued military support as the most credible path to ending the conflict on Ukrainian terms.

On Support For Trump's Peace Plan

Original Article: Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Peace Bid Wins ‘Full’ Support From Key European Ally

Background: With news swirling about the White House's engagement with the Kremlin to formulate a new deal that would end Russia's war in Ukraine, a top Hungarian official told Newsweek that Budapest stands by Trump's push for peace.

Original Comment: "This is a more realistic path towards peace and is a better outcome than Ukrainian front lines collapsing due to manpower shortages. Maintaining the 'European path to peace/victory' only enriches war profiteers and neglects both sides' requests for security."—dalmont37

Editor’s Note: This commenter emphasizes a pragmatic approach, seeing Trump’s plan as a potential way to prevent further Ukrainian losses and reduce prolonged conflict. Their perspective reflects concerns about the human and economic costs of war, as well as skepticism toward prolonged military escalation.

On Trump’s Frustration With Russia and Ukraine

Original Article: Trump ‘Frustrated With Both Sides,’ Wants ‘Lasting Peace’ Between Russia, Ukraine

Background: In a statement to Newsweek, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump had "grown frustrated with both sides for their refusal to commit to a peace agreement."

Original Comment: "Once the land is lost it's lost. Its been proven time and time again that no one is willing to poke the tiger that is Russia. Biden and Trump both wouldn't go after India, China, and the others who continue to bypass sanctions and help fund the war."—Spidey Craig

Editor’s Note: Taking a different approach, this commenter highlights the limits of international pressure and the global network of countries still trading with Russia. Their point underscores the difficulty of reclaiming territory or enforcing sanctions without broader cooperation.

Thank you for joining The Conversation and sharing your comments and opinions on this topic. Make sure to keep an eye out for more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.

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