Today at 01:03
Journalist and YouTube blogger Anna Danylchuk in UATV studio analyzes explosive leak exposing Kremlin’s direct role in crafting so-called “peace plan” presented to Trump administration. This plan demands Ukraine’s capitulation without any Russian concessions.
In conversation with host Henry Keen, they explore how scandal impacts White House trust, why Europe won’t accept deal behind Kyiv’s back, and signs of internal rifts in Trump team. Also discussed: why sanctions scare Kremlin, Congress role in Ukraine support, and why NATO’s future depends on Ukraine’s reliability.
— Witkoff’s leaked conversations with the Kremlin. Let’s draw a historical parallel and talk about the consequences for the United States, for Ukraine, and for trust. First of all — how do you think this could even happen in the first place?
— That’s a really interesting question. And what surprises me is the reaction in the United States. Fifty years ago, this would have been a massive geopolitical scandal — people fired, real investigations. And now? Nothing. It’s treated like a typical business deal.
On the positive side, at least now we have proof that the 28 points of the so-called “peace plan” — in reality, a capitulation plan — were composed in the Kremlin. And regarding who leaked it: I personally don’t think it was the Russians. This actually ruins one of their channels of influence and manipulation.
Maybe it was some U.S. intelligence service — that would be great. Or the British, or the Polish. I’m proud that many people in the White House assumed this was a Ukrainian intelligence operation. Maybe the myth of Ukrainian capabilities is stronger than we think.
— If we were that powerful, why not end Russia’s influence once and for all? But seriously — about diplomacy behind Kyiv’s back: why won’t Ukraine and Europe allow such decisions? Because Russia is offering a “peace plan” but rejecting concessions, and the plan itself is just a wish list of things they failed to achieve in four years of war.
— Exactly. And what surprises me is that in this document they tried to trick the world with, there is not a single point involving concessions from the Russian side. Not one uncomfortable or unpleasant clause for the Kremlin. If I wanted to trick someone, I’d at least try to balance the document to look realistic. But no — they simply packaged the Kremlin’s wishlist and sent it through Witkov.
Why won’t European leaders and Ukraine accept it? Because everyone is worried watching the unpredictable movements in the White House. It undermines decades of trust between Europe and North America. And from my communication with many people, especially in Europe, they now understand: this is not about Ukraine or its territory — it’s about the security and independence of Europe and NATO itself.
And more and more people realize: Ukraine is not a burden. Ukraine is an asset — a country that knows how to fight a 21st-century war, often better than NATO.
— Absolutely. Some even say it’s time for Ukraine to decide whether it wants to join a family that seems unable to react in time. As Colonel Grant says, “Europe is not ready.” Anna, do you think all these leaks and the weakness of the U.S. administration could be a sign of a split inside Trump’s team?
— Yes, for sure. And honestly, I think there is no real team. Even Trump’s vice-president, JD Vance, called Trump a “Hitler” just a few years ago — now he’s his supporter. Many joined not because of values or vision, but for influence and access to power.
We see huge differences between how Trump and Vance want to end the war and how actual Republican voters see it. I was relieved to see 76% of Republican voters view Russia as the aggressor and want it defeated. They don’t want Ukraine abandoned.
This public support is one of the main restraints preventing Trump from totally abandoning NATO, the EU, or Ukraine. It will be very hard for him to force Ukrainian capitulation when Americans strongly support Ukraine. And I must thank everyone who calls their senators and congresspeople to stand with Ukraine.
— Let’s speculate: whoever leaked this — what might be the motive? Who benefits? Is this just a journalist trying to make money?
— I don’t think so. I think it was a political or intelligence intervention. Trump is emotional, and it’s obvious he wants to work with Russia somehow — forgetting that Russia’s GDP is smaller than Texas, California, or even Italy.
Putin, Ushakov, Dmitriev — trained manipulators — can easily trick people like Witkov, who was just a real-estate agent and Trump’s coffee-meeting friend. He knows nothing about Russia or the regions they want Ukraine to abandon. This ignorance helps Russia manipulate.
Our EU allies understand: it is better to stick with the U.S. long-term. These current problems are temporary. They want to preserve intelligence sharing and defense cooperation. So I think someone leaked this to stop Trump from unknowingly supporting a Kremlin document — even without reading it.
The leak exposed:
- the total unacceptability of the Kremlin’s “plan,”
- the extent of Russian influence inside the White House.
It wasn’t for money — it was necessary.
— What about the consequences of this scandal for Ukraine? Is it good or bad?
— It’s both. Bad — because it’s betrayal during a great war. Good — because we have investigations, scandals, accountability. It shows Ukrainian society is fighting corruption. Corruption is everywhere — U.S., Germany, Ukraine — you see scandals, investigations, resignations. Only in Russia do you never read about it because corruption is their national sport.
It’s bad that these people abused funds that could save lives — but good that they were exposed. We can clean the system.
— And about the timing — is this a good time for such leaks?
— Yes. Everything has changed this year. Many scandals, many leaks, much unprofessional behavior — not just in the U.S., also in Europe and Ukraine. Everything is intense. But truth is better than comforting lies.
This leak proves Russian influence exists. It proves Russia tried to stop new sanctions. And it shows that sanctions hurt Russia — economically, militarily, socially. They fear sanctions more than they fear peace.
Now is not the time to appease Putin. Now is the time to defeat, demilitarize, and punish Russia.
— Do you believe citizens and the Senate can turn the situation toward Ukraine?
— Yes — and it’s already happening. There’s no real benefit for Americans in cooperating with Russia — a poor, angry, anti-American country. And Russia’s so-called “friendship” with China cannot be broken by Trump — both regimes are deeply anti-American.
Ordinary Americans feel more connected to Ukrainians. They choose to stay informed, support us, contact their representatives. And in a democracy, politicians must listen to the nation. That’s what is happening.
— Last question. What about cooperation, transatlantic unity — is that shattered?
— No. I believe NATO can return to its strength — with Ukraine. Many soldiers say NATO should join Ukraine, not the other way around. Ukraine knows modern warfare, builds drones, understands defense.
EU leaders now understand:
If Ukraine is sacrificed, Europe is exposed.
If Russia is rewarded, it will attack the EU and NATO next.
Ukraine is not only morally aligned with Europe — it is strategically indispensable.
This is why proposals that undermine NATO’s sovereignty — like banning NATO from admitting Ukraine — are unacceptable.
And thanks to the leaks and the reactions, I hope Russia’s plan is now destroyed.
Read also: Ben Hodges on the US “peace plan”: Trump has leverage over Russia
