On “Markus Lanz” on November 25, 2025, guests discussed the US peace plan for Ukraine.
Source: Markus Hertrich
The 28-point peace plan for Ukraine presented by the US made headlines around the world: Although Washington presented it as a realistic path to a ceasefire, it was met with great skepticism in Kiev and across Europe. Russia reacted cautiously, but initially showed partial interest.
After initial talks in Geneva between the US and Ukraine, the US peace plan was shortened to a 19-point plan.
On Tuesday evening, CDU Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter harshly criticized the US peace plan in the “Markus Lanz” because, among other things, it stipulates that Russia will receive areas where Ukraine has the most important defensive positions. According to him, these areas will then be recognized as Russian territory, including the natural resources there that Russia wants to exploit – some of them with US participation.
Diplomatic efforts are underway internationally for a peace plan in Ukraine. Even so, the Russian military continues to attack Ukraine.
11/25/2025 | 1:42 min
Kiesewetter: “This is a surrender plan”
Kiesewetter said that these points are “certainly questionable and wrong under international law (…).”
It was a surrender plan.
Roderich Kiesewetter, retired colonel in the Bundeswehr
For Colonel a. However, in the Bundeswehr, not only is Ukraine the biggest loser in the US peace plan currently being negotiated, but conditions in Europe are also very bad. “What we are seeing now is a surrender plan – also from Europe – because we cannot show America that this is a war on European territory that we can overcome.”
Military expert Christian Mölling stressed that Europe does not have a strong starting position in the whole process.
The interesting thing is that European countries are now sitting down with America and basically negotiating to reach an agreement.
Christian Mölling, military expert
A power struggle is said to be taking place in the US government regarding Ukraine peace negotiations. US expert Rathke gives a first-hand account of ZDFheute struggling to gain influence over Donald Trump.
11/25/2025 | 12:42 min
Military expert: America has started to file divorce papers
Mölling explains that what is even more important is that in the plan supported by Donald Trump, the US has effectively divested from NATO and presented itself as a neutral mediator. According to Mölling, this represents a fundamental change compared to what we are used to in the United States – also compared to the recent and repeated assurances that America will continue to support Europe.
If you think the situation through, you would have to say that we are at the point where Americans may have filed divorce papers.
Christian Mölling, military expert
This is the view of the head of the Rheinische Post parliamentary office, Kerstin Münstermann:
This is a divorce decree for NATO. These are divorce papers for West.
Kerstin Münstermann, journalist
Münstermann, who recently attended the G20 summit in South Africa with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reports that this assessment also holds true among representatives of other European governments. “The mood among Europeans in Johannesburg at the G20 summit was similar. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also said to have said something like: That’s it.”
Christian Mölling pointed out that “no one has spoken to Russia about this yet.” Therefore, Mölling sharply criticizes the fact that some scholars make two dubious assumptions.
Firstly, Russia could sign a contract, and this is interesting, and secondly, we are still confident that they will stick to it. Which to me is absolutely crazy.
Christian Mölling, military expert
Cyber attacks on energy suppliers, spying efforts on defense companies – companies report hybrid attacks and suspect Russia. How much actually happened remains unclear.
11/25/2025 | 9:30 min
Mölling: The US peace plan worsens Europe’s security situation
In this context, Mölling called Vladimir Putin a “notorious treaty violator” and at the same time accused America of presenting plans “that will ultimately worsen the security situation in Europe until we are closer to war.”
The military expert warned that if the plan is approved, we can expect the US to withdraw because the US will no longer see the conflict as their war. This would essentially leave Europe alone in this situation.
Mölling: “I don’t know if it’s a deal. Firstly, I don’t think it will happen and if it does, it’s very fragile.”
You can find the latest reports on Russia’s attack on Ukraine at any time on our live blog:
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Since February 2022, Russia has launched a war of aggression against Ukraine. Kyiv has launched a counteroffensive and fighting continues. News and background information on the ticker.
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