The Last Word with Matt Cooper What Does The US Want From A Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal?
Nov 24, 2025
Lara Marlowe, a veteran war correspondent and contributor to the Irish Times, dives deep into the complexities of the newly leaked US-backed peace plan regarding Ukraine. She calls the plan absurd, highlighting the territorial concessions that could give Russia control of Donetsk. Marlowe discusses the financial implications, suggesting that a US-led reconstruction could primarily benefit American interests. She also warns that the draft risks rewarding aggression and calls for Europe to stand firm against potential capitulation in the peace talks.
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US Messaging Has Become Erratic
- Lara Marlowe says the leaked US-backed peace text is absurd and incoherent, reflecting confused US signals under Trump.
- She highlights frequent flip-flopping by the US which undermines credible negotiation with Russia and Ukraine.
Territory Concessions Threaten Ukraine
- The proposed text would cede all of Donetsk to Russia, forcing Ukrainian withdrawal from key fortress cities.
- Lara warns this territorial loss would enable Russian forces to advance across the steppes toward Kyiv.
Frozen Funds Finance Reconstruction
- The plan would use frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine while giving the US major profit share and no new US funding.
- Lara emphasises $100 billion from frozen funds would be invested in a U.S.-led reconstruction and the US would get 50% of profits.