Key Takeaways
- A leaked U.S. peace plan for Ukraine was widely criticized for aligning with Russian demands.
- The plan's release coincided with a major corruption scandal involving Ukrainian President Zelensky's allies.
- U.S. officials consulted Russia before Ukraine on the initial draft, triggering international outcry.
- Intense diplomatic pressure led to a revision of the peace plan's contentious terms.
- Russia rejected potential changes to the plan, while Trump delayed his Thanksgiving deadline.
Deep Dive
- A leaked 28-point peace plan for Ukraine appeared to align with Russian talking points, causing widespread dismay.
- Ukrainians commonly used the word 'capitulation' in reaction to the proposal.
- The situation was confusing, marked by pressure to accept the plan amid war fatigue and ongoing attacks.
- An ongoing 15-month investigation by Ukraine's anti-corruption agency targeted alleged embezzlement of $100 million from state-owned Inergo Atom.
- Detailed videos of wiretapped conversations, released November 10th, revealed alleged embezzlement of funds intended for protective shelters.
- Ukrainians reacted with horror to reports of individuals profiting from shelters amidst Russian targeting of power infrastructure.
- President Zelensky, elected on anti-corruption pledges, faces growing internal opposition and calls for a no-confidence vote.
- David Sanger confirmed the leaked peace plan read as if drafted in the Kremlin due to its lopsided nature and negative reception in Ukraine.
- Russian representatives were consulted before Ukrainian officials during the drafting process.
- Administration officials cited a similar process used in Gaza, involving Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as justification.
- The initial draft involved consulting Russian concerns first, with Ukrainian and European input coming significantly later or not at all.
- This approach led to an international outcry, with Europeans feeling excluded and Ukrainians feeling betrayed.
- Administration officials stated this was due to insufficient time for revisions, but an alternative interpretation suggested a lack of patience for Ukraine.
- President Trump declared the leaked peace plan excellent and demanded Ukrainian President Zelensky agree by Thanksgiving.
- Trump's demand implied a potential reduction in U.S. support if Zelensky refused the plan.
- Senator Marco Rubio made an unscheduled trip to Geneva to mediate between Europeans, Ukrainians, and Russians amid the widespread uproar.
- Following 11 hours of heated meetings in Geneva, the plan was revised from 28 points to 20, removing stipulations on Ukrainian troop numbers and NATO presence.
- Russia launched new attacks on Ukraine as Kremlin officials rejected potential changes to the revised peace plan.
- President Trump subsequently delayed his Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine's agreement.
- Trump also planned to send an envoy to Moscow regarding the peace process.