U.S. Senators Accuse Peace Plan of Being “Russian Wish List,” Rubio and State Department Push Back

At the Halifax International Security Forum, a group of U.S. senators sharply criticized the recently leaked 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine, claiming it is essentially “Russia’s wish list” rather than a genuine American peace plan.

Senators Sound the Alarm
Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told reporters that Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified in a phone call: “It is not our recommendation. It is not our peace plan.” According to Rounds, Rubio indicated the U.S. was merely the intermediary — a recipient of a proposal, not its author.

Senator Angus King (I-Maine) echoed that sentiment, saying the document “is essentially the wish list of the Russians.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) added that many terms in the plan are deeply troubling, particularly those that would limit Ukraine’s sovereignty and military strength.

Rubio Pushes Back
In response to the senators’ claims, Rubio took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny their version of events. He wrote that the peace proposal was authored by the United States, describing it as a “strong framework for ongoing negotiations.” According to him, the plan draws on input from both Russia and Ukraine.

State Department: “Blatantly False”
A spokesperson for the State Department, Tommy Pigott, strongly rejected the senators’ account, calling their remarks “blatantly false.” He reiterated Rubio’s position, stating that the document was drafted by the U.S. with contributions from both sides of the conflict.

Deep Divisions Among U.S. Leaders
The dispute highlights a significant rift within American political circles. While some lawmakers see the plan as dangerously conciliatory toward Russia, the Trump administration and its envoys have promoted it as a starting point for substantive diplomacy.

Critics argue that key elements of the draft undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and could reward Moscow’s aggression.

Meanwhile, Rubio and his allies emphasize the need for a negotiated solution, suggesting that the plan is merely a framework—not a final deal.