Key Takeaways:
- The Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, discusses the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
- The U.S. has proposed a 28-point peace plan, which Ukraine is considering, but the ambassador expresses concerns that the plan does not address the issue of justice and accountability for Russian aggression.
- Ukraine is seeking security guarantees from the U.S., including a commitment to provide defense in the event of a Russian attack.
- The ambassador disputes reports that Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, citing the complexity of the conflict and the multiple fronts on which Ukrainian forces are engaged.
- The U.S. and European officials have expressed concerns that Ukraine’s trajectory on the battlefield is not favorable, particularly in the key industrial city of Pokrovsk.
Introduction to the Interview
The interview with Olga Stefanishyna, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on November 23, 2025. The ambassador discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, including the proposed 28-point peace plan put forth by the U.S. Stefanishyna expressed concerns that the plan does not address the issue of justice and accountability for Russian aggression, and instead focuses on ending the war and stopping military engagement.
The 28-Point Peace Plan
The ambassador stated that the consultations between Ukraine and the U.S. are ongoing, with European allies also present in Geneva to discuss the proposals. However, Stefanishyna noted that the plan does not seem to include any concessions from Russia, and instead focuses on issues such as the return of hostages and prisoners of war. The ambassador emphasized that the plan is not about justice, but rather about ending the war, which she believes is unfair to Ukraine.
Security Guarantees
Stefanishyna discussed the separate document related to security guarantees, which specifies the intention of the U.S. government to provide security assurances to Ukraine. The ambassador emphasized that Ukraine wants a clear security guarantee that the U.S. will come to its defense in the event of an attack, including by surrounding countries that are Russian proxies. This guarantee is seen as essential for Ukraine’s security and stability, particularly given its history of being invaded and occupied by Russia.
The Situation on the Battlefield
The ambassador disputed reports that Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, citing the complexity of the conflict and the multiple fronts on which Ukrainian forces are engaged. While acknowledging that the city of Pokrovsk is an important spot on the front line, Stefanishyna emphasized that it is not the only one, and that Russia is trying to present a narrative of Ukrainian defeat in order to pressure the U.S. and other countries to negotiate a peace deal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interview with Olga Stefanishyna provided insight into the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. The ambassador’s concerns about the proposed 28-point peace plan and the need for security guarantees from the U.S. highlight the complexities and challenges of the conflict. As the situation on the battlefield continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether a peaceful resolution can be reached, and what the implications will be for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.