American Senators Slam US-Ukraine Peace Plan

American senators expressed strong disapproval of a recent U. S. peace proposal for Ukraine during an international security conference. The plan, which was 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 Angus King from Maine called the proposal a serious mistake, comparing it to the failed appeasement of Nazi Germany before World War II. He argued that the plan rewards Russian aggression and lacks any ethical or legal justification. Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina agreed, stating that the plan should not make Russian President Vladimir Putin feel victorious. He believed that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's criticism of the plan was not strong enough. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire called the proposal an "outrage, " stating that it was clearly written by Putin and Russia to serve their interests. She criticized President Donald Trump for allowing Putin to manipulate him over the past year. Putin welcomed the proposal, suggesting it could form the basis of a final peace settlement if the U. S. could get Ukraine and its European allies to agree. Zelenskyy, in an address, did not outright reject the plan but insisted on fair treatment and pledged to work calmly with Washington and other partners. The Halifax International Security Forum, now in its 17th year, brings together military officials, senators, diplomats, and scholars. This year, however, the Trump administration suspended the participation of U. S. defense officials in events by think tanks, including the forum. The strained relations between Canada and the U. S. , exacerbated by Trump's trade war and comments about Canada becoming the 51st U. S. state, have 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.