Global Opinion Divided Over Ukraine Peace Talks - The Fate of Trump's 19-Point Peace Plan: End of War or Loss of Territory

Trump: "Peace is Really Close" —— The Weight of "Only a Few Points Left"

The New York Post reported that U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that "a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is really close, with only a few points left to resolve." Trump is reportedly sending special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to Ukraine to finalize the U.S.-led peace proposal.New York Post

On the surface, it sounds like the end of the war is "just a little bit" away. However, that "little bit" is actually the most explosive issue, and on social media, "expectations" and "anxieties" are already intersecting.

From 28 Points to 19 Points —— How the "Trump Peace Plan" Changed

The current negotiations are based on a "28-point peace plan" proposed by the United States. The initial proposal included many conditions that were unacceptable to Ukraine, such as limits on Ukraine's military power, halting NATO expansion, and the treatment of regions occupied by Russia, leading to strong opposition from European allies and within Ukraine.Al Jazeera

After discussions in Geneva and elsewhere, the plan has reportedly been compressed to "19 points." While the changes have not been fully disclosed, the following directions have been suggested:

• Territorial Issues: It is said that the approach to regions that Russia claims to have annexed unilaterally (such as Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea) has been revised to reflect Ukraine's position to some extent.The Guardian

• Security: The design of Ukraine's future security framework (its relationship with NATO and security guarantees by third countries) remains a major point of contention.The Washington Post

• Armament and Sanctions: Points such as the limitation of the Ukrainian military's size and the timing of easing or lifting Western sanctions against Russia are considered core parts of the "few remaining points."CSIS

In other words, while the "19-point plan" has streamlined the surface wording, the crucial content —— particularly the territorial lines and security —— is still in a delicate tug-of-war.

Ukraine Agrees on "Core," but Public Opinion is Complex

According to CBS News and others, U.S. government officials have stated, "Ukraine has agreed to the U.S. peace plan. Only the details remain." Ukrainian officials also acknowledge that "a common understanding has been reached on the core conditions."cbsnews.com

However, this does not mean that Ukrainian public opinion is readily accepting it. Nearly four years into the war, many citizens have lost family and friends on the front lines or in airstrikes. Amidst this, questions like "Should we stop the war even if it means giving up territory?" and "Who will protect the safety of residents in occupied areas?" carry significant political and emotional weight.

President Zelensky has suggested the need to discuss "sensitive points" directly with President Trump and is seeking final adjustments involving European allies.The Guardian

Russia Cautions "Nothing is Decided Yet"

On the other hand, Russia's message is cool. Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated, "It is premature to conclude that the end of the conflict is near," putting the brakes on the view that a peace agreement is imminent.China Daily Asia

Furthermore, although representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia met in Abu Dhabi, Russian officials emphasized, "The U.S. peace plan was not discussed there." They claimed that while the plan was received, "detailed discussions are yet to come," indicating that substantial negotiations are still ahead.The Moscow Times

The New York Post reports that Russia still intends to base discussions on the initial 28-point plan and is cautious about the new proposal.New York Post

European Concerns —— Discomfort with "Without Ukraine" and "Without Europe"

European countries, particularly leaders from France and the UK, have repeatedly warned that "hasty compromises that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty are unacceptable."The Guardian

The peace plan led by the Trump administration, with limited European involvement in its early stages, has sparked dissatisfaction that "Ukraine's future is being decided without Europe." While the EU is advancing discussions on utilizing frozen Russian assets and long-term support frameworks for Ukraine, it is keenly focused on how much the "peace" will protect Ukraine's sovereignty.The Times

Reactions on Social Media: Public Opinion Sways Between #PeaceNow and #NoLandForPeace

In response to the tone of "peace agreement is near," discussions are heating up on social media with various hashtags.

1. The "Just End the War" Camp

On X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok,

• "Enough already. Even if it's not perfect, ceasefire now."

• "Lives lost in a war that lasted four years won't come back. Some compromise should be accepted."

Such posts are prominent. Especially from those who feel the impact of energy prices and the global economy, there's a sense that "this war has lasted too long for any country."

Even within Ukraine, from those sending family to the front lines,
"Even if it's not complete justice, if they can come back, that's enough."
Such earnest voices are being shared.

2. The "Peace with Lost Territory is 'Defeat'" Camp

On the other hand, there are many strong-toned posts opposing peace that sells out territory and dignity.

• "If we give up territory, it effectively acknowledges Russia's aggression."

• "If Ukraine yields today, another country will face the same tomorrow."

Such comments receive much empathy from followers in Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, neighboring Russia.

In English-speaking regions, hashtags like "#NoLandForPeace" are seen, and in Japanese-speaking regions, "#領土なき和平はない" (No Peace Without Territory), indicating that territorial issues are at the core of the "few remaining points."

3. Mixed Distrust and Expectations Toward the Trump Administration

In the U.S., evaluations of Trump's approach are also polarized.

• Supporters praise, "No one else could have brought Russia and Ukraine to the table like this," and "Only a business-like dealmaker could pull this off."

• Critics cast doubt, saying, "It's just a performance for the election," and "It's a Russia-leaning plan that corners Ukraine."CSIS

The atmosphere on social media has become a battleground where the desire for "early peace" and the caution over "its cost" fiercely clash.

What Are the "Few Remaining Points"? —— Three Focus Areas

What exactly does Trump mean by the "few remaining points" he emphasizes? From reports by various media and statements by those involved, three main points emerge.

① The Final Ceasefire Line and Residents' Placement

The biggest issue is where to consider the border line.

• Russia wants to have its control over already occupied areas effectively recognized.

• Ukraine and Europe are reportedly demanding mechanisms such as future referendums and international monitoring, even if discussions are based on the "current front line."The Guardian

For citizens living on the front lines, it's not just about "which country's flag is flying today," but also the very real issues of which legal system they will live under from tomorrow and who will maintain security.

② Security Framework —— NATO or a New "Guarantee"?

The second issue is the security framework.

• Ukraine seeks not to close the path to future NATO membership or, alternatively, a strong security guarantee (such as multinational forces or long-term arms supply).

• Russia wants a "guarantee" to stop further NATO expansion, which directly conflicts with Ukraine's desires.Al Jazeera

This issue affects not only Russia and Ukraine but also the security architecture of the entire European continent.

③ Sanctions Lifting and Reconstruction Funds —— "When and How Much to Restore"

The third issue is sanctions and reconstruction.

• Russia is expected to seek a phased lifting of sanctions in exchange for peace.

• Ukraine and Europe are exploring ways to make Russia bear part of the post-war reconstruction costs, such as utilizing frozen assets.The Times

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