Key Takeaways
- The Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, discusses the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and the United States.
- A 28-point peace plan has been proposed by the American side, but Ukraine is seeking a fair peace that includes security guarantees.
- The U.S. is considering providing security assurances to Ukraine, but the details of these guarantees are still being discussed.
- Ukraine is facing pressure to negotiate with Russia, but the ambassador argues that the country is not losing on the battlefield and that Russia is trying to present a victorious narrative.
- The U.S. and European officials have expressed concerns about Ukraine’s trajectory on the battlefield, 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 between Ukraine and the United States, including the proposed 28-point peace plan. The plan, which is still being discussed, aims to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. However, the ambassador emphasized that the plan is not about justice, but rather about stopping the military engagement.
The Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
The ambassador explained that the consultations between Ukraine and the American officials are still ongoing, with the European allies also present in Geneva to discuss the proposals. The ambassador noted that there are a number of points that have been widely discussed in public, but the details of the plan are still being negotiated. The ambassador also stated that Russia has not made any concessions at this point, and that the plan is not about forcing anything on the Russian side. Instead, the plan focuses on returning hostages and prisoners of war, as well as addressing humanitarian issues.
Security Guarantees and the 28-Point Peace Plan
The ambassador discussed the separate document related to security guarantees, which is not a formal agreement or treaty. The document specifies the intention of the U.S. government to provide security assurances, similar to Article 5 of the Washington NATO Treaty. The ambassador emphasized that Ukraine wants a clear security guarantee that says if the country is invaded or attacked, including by surrounding countries that are Russian proxies, the U.S. will come to Ukraine’s defense. The ambassador noted that Ukraine has had sad experiences in the past, such as the Budapest Memorandum, where the country gave up its nuclear weapons.
The Situation on the Battlefield
The ambassador responded to the argument that Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, particularly in the key industrial city of Pokrovsk. The ambassador argued that Ukraine is not losing, and that Russia is trying to present a victorious narrative. The ambassador noted that there are over 1,000 combat engagements happening on the front line every week, and that Pokrovsk is just one of many important spots. The ambassador emphasized that Ukraine is one of the largest European countries, and that the situation on the battlefield is more complex than what is being presented.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The ambassador concluded the interview by emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to finding a fair peace that includes security guarantees. The ambassador thanked Margaret Brennan for the opportunity to discuss the ongoing diplomatic efforts and the situation on the battlefield. The interview provided valuable insights into the complexities of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to evolve, it is likely that the diplomatic efforts will intensify, and that the U.S. and European allies will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.