Putin Aide Says ‘Serious Analysis’ Needed of New Trump Proposal To End Russian War on Ukraine

Latest Developments

• Russia To Examine New Trump Proposal: Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said that the latest version of the Trump administration’s proposal to end the war in Ukraine warrants a “truly serious analysis” and “serious discussion.” The plan, which originally included 28 points that heavily favored Russia, was revised during weekend negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials and is now reported to be far more favorable to Kyiv, although some key issues have yet to be decided. While the Kremlin is trying to present a constructive image to President Donald Trump, Moscow has signaled it will reject any proposal that does not meet its maximalist demands.
• Driscoll and Ushakov in Abu Dhabi as Trump Abandons Deadline: U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian and Ukrainian intelligence officials in Abu Dhabi on November 24-25. Ushakov said Driscoll had passed along Trump’s peace plan but claimed the deal was not discussed. Trump stated on November 25 that he no longer had a firm Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to agree to the proposal, saying, “The deadline for me is when it’s over.” He announced that he will dispatch U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Driscoll to discuss the plan with Moscow and Kyiv, respectively.
• Russia Launches Attack on Zaporizhzhia Region: Russia launched another drone and missile attack overnight. According to Ukrainian authorities, the barrage destroyed shops and damaged 31 apartment blocks and 20 homes in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. Nineteen people were reported injured following the strikes, with eight receiving hospital treatment. Ukraine’s Air Force said the attack included 90 attack and decoy drones and two ballistic missiles.

FDD Expert Response

“I am pretty sure Ushakov is lying. I am not sure what Driscoll and the Russian intelligence officials could possibly talk about except the deal. Ushakov does not want to say what we all know — Vladimir Putin has no interest in a fair deal that requires concessions from both sides. He started this illegal war, he has conducted it in violation of international norms, and he doesn’t want to admit that he can’t win on the battlefield.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Putin is unlikely to agree to a peace settlement — at least one acceptable to Ukraine — so long as he believes he has the upper hand on the battlefield and can get a better deal by prolonging the war. Unless and until Ukraine and its Western partners can change his calculus, U.S. diplomatic efforts will probably fail.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

“Russia is interested in conquest, not peace. Russia continues to increase its attacks on Ukrainian civilians, violate NATO airspace, and pursue a sabotage campaign against America’s European allies. Instead of responding with strength, the United States has reduced its military force posture along NATO’s eastern flank, largely offloaded support for Ukraine to Europe, and pursued fruitless negotiations.” — Cameron McMillan, CMPP Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Fixing Putin’s plan,” by Clifford D. May

“Peace in Ukraine Unlikely Until Putin’s Calculus Changes,” by John Hardie and Keti Korkiya

“Romania, Germany Scramble Fighter Jets To Track Russian Drone Incursion as U.S. and Ukraine Deliberate Over Ceasefire Deal,” FDD Flash Brief

“To Build Leverage for Peace, Enforce Oil Sanctions on Russia,” by John Hardie and Max Meizlish