Senate GOP Hawks Push Back Against Trump's 28-Point Ukraine Peace Ultimatum

Several prominent Senate Republicans known for their tough stance on Russia have publicly criticized a 28-point peace proposal President Donald Trump circulated to Kyiv that he says could end Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

What the plan would require

According to reporting and statements by U.S. officials, the proposal would require Ukraine to cede Crimea, the Donbas and Luhansk regions, and portions of Kherson and Zaporizhia. It would also impose limits on the size and disposition of Ukraine’s armed forces and permanently rule out a pathway to NATO membership.

Senate reaction

The outline has drawn sharp criticism from Senate Republicans including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who warn the plan could reward Russian aggression and weaken regional and U.S. security.

"While there are many good ideas in the proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan, there are several areas that are very problematic and can be made better," Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X. "The goal of any peace deal is to end the war honorably and justly — and not create new conflict."

Senator Mitch McConnell compared the proposal to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and warned against appeasing Russia: "If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors. Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests."

Senator Roger Wicker questioned limits on Ukraine’s military and emphasized sovereignty: "The size and disposition of Ukraine’s armed forces is a sovereign choice for its government and people. And any assurances provided to Putin should not reward his malign behavior or undermine the security of the United States or allies."

Broader response and stakes

House Republicans led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, announced plans to pursue a discharge petition to move sanctions legislation. Many European allies and analysts have also reacted angrily, warning that a plan reportedly written with Russian input could undercut Ukraine’s ability to secure a sustainable peace and invite future instability.

White House timeline and the president's comment

The White House reportedly believes the current moment provides leverage to press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who faces political pressure at home, and has given him until Thanksgiving to respond. President Trump, however, indicated the offer might not be final, telling reporters: "We're trying to get it ended. One way or the other, we have to get it ended. He can continue to fight his little heart out."

Implications

Critics say the proposal risks formalizing large territorial concessions to Russia, constraining Ukraine's sovereign defense choices and weakening deterrence against further aggression. Supporters of a negotiated settlement argue that a durable peace must be negotiated urgently; opponents caution that concessions made under duress could produce a fragile peace that encourages future conflict.