Key Takeaways

• President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a 20-point peace plan.
• Trump spoke with Russian President Putin after heavy bombing in Ukraine.
• Expert Tom Nichols calls this peace plan “insane” from a diplomatic view.
• Critics say Trump acted like a middleman for Putin rather than an ally to Ukraine.
• Many worry this approach could weaken U.S. support for Ukraine.

President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. They reviewed a detailed peace plan that lists 20 items. Later, Trump said he called Russian President Vladimir Putin. The MSNBC host Alex Witt asked military expert Tom Nichols about this. Nichols said Trump’s moves show he either misunderstands the war or misleads the public. Nichols called the whole peace plan strategy “insane.”

What Happened at Mar-a-Lago?

First, Trump and Zelenskyy sat down in the Mar-a-Lago dining room. They discussed the 20-point peace plan line by line. This plan covers issues like troop withdrawals, prisoner exchanges, and rebuilding cities. Then Trump flew back to Washington for a call with Putin. That phone call came right after reports of heavy Russian bombing on Ukrainian civilians.

Zelenskyy praised the meeting. However, critics pointed out a big problem. Trump checked with the aggressor before reporting back to his ally. Nichols said this order of operations breaks all diplomatic rules. Normally, diplomats consult their friends first. Then they let the other side know the offer. Trump did it the other way around, Nichols argued.

Why the Peace Plan Seems Insane

Tom Nichols explained his view on MS NOW’s Alex Witt Reports. He said the peace plan approach is crazy. First, you don’t talk to the enemy and then tell your friend. Second, you certainly don’t act like a messenger for the enemy. Nichols said Trump seems to repeat Putin’s wishes to Zelenskyy and the world. In fact, every time Trump finishes a call with Putin, he lays out Putin’s side nearly word for word. That, Nichols warned, makes the U.S. look like a de facto ally of Russia.

Moreover, Nichols noted that this peace plan ignores how wars usually end. Successful talks start with one side strong. They show muscle on the table. Then they ask for a deal. Here, Trump acts like he needs Russia’s blessing first. Then he hopes Ukraine will accept a deal. That is backwards and dangerous.

How the Peace Plan Compares to Other Talks

In most peace talks, allies meet first. They agree on a plan. Then they send that plan to the enemy. This way, allies look united. They speak with one voice. But Trump invited Zelenskyy and then ran to Putin. He checked his notes against what Putin wanted. That is not how proven diplomacy works.

For example, peace talks in Northern Ireland began only after both the British and Irish governments agreed on terms. The two sides then invited the paramilitaries to join. They never went back and forth with only one at a time. By contrast, Trump’s peace plan makes it look like Russia calls all the shots.

Potential Outcomes of the Peace Plan

Critics fear several risks from Trump’s peace plan approach. First, Ukraine might view the U.S. as unreliable. If Washington seems more loyal to Moscow, Kyiv could seek help from other allies. Second, Russia may use the plan to demand more concessions. By speaking directly with Putin first, Trump could give away Ukraine’s cards. Third, U.S. relations with NATO partners might fray. Allies expect America to lead from the front. This “insane” peace plan could undermine that trust.

On the other hand, some supporters say any plan is better than none. They argue that keeping lines open with both sides might stop the violence faster. They believe that Trump’s personal ties to Putin could unlock a deal that others failed to reach. Yet, Nichols counters that this style of peace plan invites more harm than good.

What Could Happen Next?

For now, Trump plans to keep pushing the 20-point peace plan. Zelenskyy could bring it back to Kyiv for review. If Ukraine accepts some points, they could start face-to-face talks with Russia. However, if Kyiv rejects the plan outright, the war may drag on.

Meanwhile, Congress and other U.S. leaders are watching closely. Some lawmakers may pressure Trump to involve NATO allies in the talks. Others could demand a formal brief before sharing details of any agreement. The coming weeks will show whether this peace plan ends with applause or a deeper crisis.

Conclusion

In the end, Trump’s approach to ending the war in Ukraine stirs strong opinions. Military expert Tom Nichols calls the peace plan insane because it flips normal diplomacy on its head. By consulting Putin first and then talking to Zelenskyy, Trump risks damaging America’s reputation and alliance strength. As the 20-point peace plan moves forward, the world will see if this bold strategy brings peace or more conflict.

FAQs

What exactly is in the 20-point peace plan?

The plan covers troop pullbacks, cease-fires, rebuilding efforts, and prisoner exchanges. It also suggests security guarantees for Ukraine and a phased Russian withdrawal.

Why do critics call this peace plan “insane”?

They say Trump broke diplomatic rules by talking to Putin first. Then he reported back to Zelenskyy. This order of talks can weaken alliances.

Could this peace plan actually end the war?

Some hope it could. They argue that Trump’s ties to Putin might speed up a deal. However, most experts fear it will backfire and prolong the conflict.

How might U.S. allies react to this approach?

Allies could feel sidelined because Trump did not consult them first. They may push for a more coordinated negotiation strategy.