Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan Sparks Outrage Among American Volunteers

American volunteers aiding Ukraine's defense against Russia are furious about a recent peace proposal linked to Donald Trump. They see it as a surrender to Russia and a betrayal of Ukraine's fight for independence. Many Americans have been in Ukraine since the war began, helping with military training and other support. They are mostly Republicans, which makes Trump's actions even more confusing to them. Some Republican leaders, like Congressman Don Bacon, have also criticized the plan, calling it a "surrender plan" that looks like it was written by Russia. The peace plan, reportedly drafted by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, includes major demands from Russia. These include Ukraine giving up territories like Donetsk and Luhansk, promising never to join NATO, and reducing its military size and weapons. Volunteers find these demands unfair and believe they would weaken Ukraine's sovereignty. There is also confusion about who exactly wrote the peace plan. Senator Mike Rounds claimed it was a preliminary offer from the Kremlin, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly denied this. An American defense sector worker in Ukraine feels bad for the diplomats there. He describes them as "not 'Maga'" but "motivated and handcuffed. " Steve Andre, a Michigan native serving in the Ukrainian military, sees the plan as a sign of America's declining global influence. He is disappointed in the American people for not showing the same bravery as the Ukrainians. A NATO veteran training Ukrainian soldiers believes money is motivating the US government. He calls the plan "pathetic" and thinks the US is trying to profit from the situation, similar to past dealings with Russia. He describes the US trainers and veterans he works with as "pretty angry" and "resigned to losing US support. "