Slate Daily Feed What Next | Could We Get Peace In Ukraine?
Nov 25, 2025
Fred Kaplan, a contributing writer at Slate and an expert on military and foreign policy, dives into the nuances of a controversial 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine. He highlights how this plan, seemingly favorable to Russia, demands territorial concessions and military cuts from Ukraine while pushing aside European input. Kaplan also discusses the motivations behind the plan and its backwards structure, stressing Europe's crucial role in any potential settlement. He warns that a clear U.S. stance is vital, as Putin is unlikely to accept such terms.
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Ad‑Hoc Peace Plan Lacked Official Vetting
- The Trump administration's 28-point plan was hastily crafted by private emissaries and lacked formal NSC vetting.
- Fred Kaplan says this ad-hoc approach produced a document resembling a Kremlin wish list rather than a negotiated peace.
Gaza Template Doesn't Fit Ukraine
- Trump and his emissaries tried to replicate a Middle East ceasefire model for Ukraine despite different dynamics.
- Kaplan argues the Gaza approach doesn't map onto Russia's aims or leverage over Ukraine.
Clash Over Ukrainian Sovereignty
- The war is about Ukrainian sovereignty while Putin aims to reintegrate Ukraine into Russia.
- Kaplan frames Putin as denying Ukraine's independent existence and treating its government as illegitimate.
