GLOBAL – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a draft 28-point peace proposal from the United States and is expected to discuss it with US President Donald Trump in the coming days, his office confirmed on Thursday, 20 November 2025. The diplomatic initiative, which aims to end the nearly four-year war, has sparked intense debate among international allies and carries significant potential consequences for Kenya and the East African region.

The plan, reportedly approved by President Trump, was drafted by US and Russian officials without the direct involvement of Ukraine or European Union member states. Leaked details suggest the proposal requires Kyiv to make substantial concessions, including ceding territory in the Donbas region, formally ruling out NATO membership, and significantly reducing the size of its military. In exchange, Moscow would reportedly commit to not attacking Ukraine further, a pledge that would be enshrined in Russian law.

President Zelenskyy’s office issued a cautious statement, acknowledging receipt of the draft and stating a readiness for “constructive, honest, and swift work” to achieve a “dignified peace.” However, the reported terms cross several of Ukraine's publicly stated "red lines," particularly regarding territorial integrity, which Zelenskyy has previously deemed non-negotiable.

European Allies Sidelined

The proposal has been met with considerable alarm in European capitals, which have provided substantial financial and military support to Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and other European ministers stated they were not consulted on the plan and learned of its existence through media reports. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot insisted that peace "cannot be a capitulation," while Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stressed that any viable plan must involve both Ukraine and the EU. European leaders have consistently argued that the continent's security is intrinsically linked to the outcome of the war and that they must have a seat at the negotiating table.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While geographically distant, the war in Ukraine has had a direct and severe impact on the Kenyan economy. The conflict disrupted global supply chains, causing sharp increases in the prices of essential commodities like fuel, wheat, and fertilizer. Kenya imports a significant portion of its wheat from the Black Sea region, and the war-induced price shocks contributed to rising food inflation and a higher cost of living. Similarly, Russia is a major global exporter of fertilizer, and soaring costs have strained Kenyan farmers, impacting agricultural productivity and food security.

A potential, albeit controversial, end to the conflict could lead to the stabilization of these commodity markets, potentially easing inflationary pressures in Kenya. However, the geopolitical implications of the proposed deal are also critical for Nairobi. Since the outset of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Kenya has taken a principled and widely praised stance at the United Nations, condemning the aggression and defending the sanctity of sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a notable February 2022 speech, Kenya's ambassador to the UN, Martin Kimani, explicitly linked the principle of respecting borders to Africa's own post-colonial history. A peace plan that legitimizes the seizure of territory by force could challenge this cornerstone of Kenya's foreign policy and the African Union's charter.

The proposed deal, driven by a US administration seeking a rapid resolution, signals a potential shift in global alliances that could affect how nations like Kenya navigate their relationships with major world powers. As the details of the plan are scrutinized and negotiations between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow proceed, the outcome will be closely watched in Nairobi for its potential to reshape both the global economic landscape and long-standing diplomatic principles.