American Senators Slam US-Ukraine Peace Plan

Key Points:

• Strong Disapproval: American senators expressed strong disapproval of a recent U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine during an international security conference.
• Criticisms: The plan, developed without Ukraine's input, has been criticized for giving in to many of Russia's demands, including territorial concessions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly refused.

Senator Reactions

• Senator Angus King (Maine):
• Called the proposal a serious mistake.
• Compared it to the failed appeasement of Nazi Germany before World War II.

• Argued that the plan rewards Russian aggression and lacks any ethical or legal justification.

• Senator Thom Tillis (North Carolina):
• Agreed with the criticisms.
• Stated that the plan should not make Russian President Vladimir Putin feel victorious.

• Believed that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's criticism of the plan was not strong enough.

• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire):
• Called the proposal an "outrage."
• Stated that it was clearly written by Putin and Russia to serve their interests.
• Criticized President Donald Trump for allowing Putin to manipulate him over the past year.

International Reactions

• Vladimir Putin:
• Welcomed the proposal.

• Suggested it could form the basis of a final peace settlement if the U.S. could get Ukraine and its European allies to agree.

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
• Did not outright reject the plan.
• Insisted on fair treatment.
• Pledged to work calmly with Washington and other partners.

Background

• Halifax International Security Forum:
• Now in its 17th year.
• Brings together military officials, senators, diplomats, and scholars.

• This year, the Trump administration suspended the participation of U.S. defense officials in events by think tanks, including the forum.

• Strained Relations:
• Between Canada and the U.S., exacerbated by Trump's trade war and comments about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
• Led to a significant drop in tourism in border states like New Hampshire.
• Senator Shaheen noted that many senators attended the forum this year to address these concerns and object to the president's actions.