A new term is shaping conversations from Washington to Kyiv: the “28-point US plan for Ukraine.” While the name implies a formal checklist, the reality is a comprehensive, multi-decade strategic framework. This isn’t just a list of actions; it’s a vision designed to secure Ukraine’s future and reshape the security landscape of Eastern Europe.
So, what do we know about the 28-point US plan for Ukraine? It’s best understood as a strategy built on three critical pillars: creating a durable military deterrent, providing long-term security guarantees, and ensuring robust economic integration with the West. Here’s a breakdown of each component.
Pillar 1: Building a Future-Proof Ukrainian Military
The most immediate part of the plan is the commitment to transform Ukraine’s armed forces into a modern, NATO-interoperable “army of the future.” This initiative extends far beyond the initial emergency aid shipments.
The focus is now on long-term capability building. Key elements include the provision of advanced weapon systems like F-16 fighter jets, long-range ATACMS missiles, and sophisticated air defense networks. The goal is to build a powerful “deterrent force”—an army so technologically advanced that it makes any future Russian aggression prohibitively costly. A core part of this pillar is a deep commitment to training Ukrainian soldiers on Western systems and tactics, cementing the shift away from their Soviet-era military doctrine.
Pillar 2: ‘The Israel Model’ & Long-Term Security Guarantees
Perhaps the most crucial pillar of the US plan involves establishing long-term, bilateral security guarantees. With Ukraine’s full NATO membership not an immediate prospect, Washington is spearheading a model often compared to its steadfast relationship with Israel.
This agreement does not include a mutual defense clause like NATO’s Article 5, which would obligate US troops to defend Ukraine directly. Instead, it formalizes a decade-long commitment to provide sustainable military support, critical intelligence sharing, cyber-security assistance, and joint training exercises. This bilateral security agreement, which is the foundation of the G7’s joint declaration of support, is designed to act as a “bridge” to Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership. It sends an unmistakable signal to Moscow that Western support is durable and will not fade over time.
Pillar 3: Economic Integration and Post-War Reconstruction
The final pillar acknowledges that true security cannot be achieved through military strength alone. The US plan places heavy emphasis on Ukraine’s economic survival, integration, and eventual reconstruction. This includes continuing direct financial aid to maintain government functions and advocating for legal mechanisms to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to help pay for rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Furthermore, the strategy aims to firmly anchor Ukraine within the European economy. Supporting its EU candidacy and promoting anti-corruption reforms are vital components. These efforts are designed to make Ukraine a stable, transparent, and attractive destination for foreign investment once the conflict ends, ensuring the nation’s long-term sovereignty and prosperity.
In summary, the “28-point plan” is not a secret treaty but a publicly articulated strategy for the future. It is America’s answer to “what comes next,” designed to ensure Ukraine not only wins the war but emerges as a secure, sovereign, and thriving European democracy.
