The 28-point peace plan was crafted by the Trump administration and the Kremlin without Ukraine’s involvement. It acquiesces to many Russian demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory. Trump says he wants Ukraine to accept the plan by late next week.

The senators’ opposition to the plan follows criticism from other U.S. lawmakers, including some Republicans, none of whom have the power to block it. The senators, who spoke at an international security conference in Canada, included a Democrat, an Independent and a Republican who does not plan to seek reelection next year.

“It rewards aggression. This is pure and simple. There’s no ethical, legal, moral, political justification for Russia claiming eastern Ukraine,” Independent Maine Sen. Angus King said during a panel discussion at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada.

King, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, compared the proposal to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s Munich Pact with Adolf Hitler in 1938, a historic failed act of appeasement.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Sen. Mitch McConnell, a former Republican Senate party leader, didn’t go far enough in his criticism of it. McConnell said in a statement Friday that “if Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisers.”

“We should not do anything that makes (Putin) feel like he has a win here. Honestly, I think what Mitch said was short of what should be said,” said Tillis. Tillis announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection shortly after he clashed with the Trump administration over its tax and spending package.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called it an “outrage.”

Putin welcomed the proposal late Friday, saying it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement” if the U.S. can get Ukraine and its European allies to agree.

Zelenskyy, in an address, did not reject the plan outright, but insisted on fair treatment while pledging to “work calmly” with Washington and other partners in what he called “truly one of the most difficult moments in our history.”

In its 17th year, about 300 people gather annually at the Halifax International Security Forum held at Halifax’s Westin hotel. The forum attracts military officials, U.S. senators, diplomats and scholars but this year the Trump administration suspended participation of U.S. defense officials in events by think tanks, including the Halifax International Security Forum.

A large number of U.S. senators made the trip this year in part because of strained relations between Canada and the U.S. Trump has alienated America’s neighbor with his trade war and insistence that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Many Canadians now refuse to travel to the U.S. and border states like Shaheen’s New Hampshire are seeing a dramatic drop in tourism.

“There’s real concern about that strain. That’s one reason why there’s such a big delegation is here,” Shaheen said. “I will continue to object to what the president is doing in terms about tariffs and his comments because they are not only detrimental to Canada and our relationship, but I think they are detrimental globally. They show a lack of respect of sovereign nations.”

Dune, a Manchester, UK-based startup that lets music fans buy tradable stakes in artists based on streaming performance, has made two key additions to its leadership team.

Thom Brunner has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, and Max Crowther has been named Head of Artist Services, both effective immediately.

The hires arrive as Dune nears completion of a GBP £2 million (USD $2.6 million) Series A funding round, preparing for its official launch.

Dune, founded by music entrepreneurs Paul Knowles and Paul Bowe, is described as an “app-based engagement platform enabling music fans to buy a ‘stake’ in their favourite artists”, which then fluctuates in value daily based on their streaming data”.

Fans also receive exclusive benefits from artists and can trade their stakes through the platform, with artists receiving income and valuable fan insights from any stakes sold, accordign to the company.

In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Brunner will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, business development, artist and industry partnerships, and the execution of Dune’s rollout strategy.

The exec is based in London and reporting to Dune’s co-CEOs Paul Knowles and Paul Bowe.

Brunner brings experience across music marketing, artist relations and creative development. As a partner at broadcast PR agency Sassy Media, he spent over 15 years delivering high-profile campaigns for artists including Paloma Faith, Craig David, Muse, Jennifer Lopez and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, working across all major labels as well as numerous independents.

He also founded Electric Friends Management, managing artists such as Phoebe Green and Swiss Lips. He began his career in the marketing department at Warner Music, working on campaigns for Biffy Clyro, The Wombats, Marina and the Diamonds and Pendulum.

In Manchester, Max Crowther steps into the newly defined role of Head of Artist Services, reporting directly to Brunner. He will oversee the full artist-support ecosystem for the Dune App, from initial outreach and onboarding through to the launch and activation of artist ‘stakes’.

His remit includes building and maintaining Dune’s CRM and tracking systems, managing assets and communications, developing workflows, and providing direct guidance to artists to help them maximise their experience on the platform. In addition, he will lead strategic direction across A&R and street-team initiatives.

Crowther began his career in live music, programming and venue operations, developing deep expertise in stage management, artist liaison, event coordination and the wider operational processes that support artists.

He later founded Clampdown Promotion, working with artists, venues and creative teams on programming, touring strategy, development and system design experience.

“From the very beginning, I felt completely aligned with the Dune team in our passion and vision for where this business can go.”

Thom Brunner

“From the very beginning, I felt completely aligned with the Dune team in our passion and vision for where this business can go. Too many artists are struggling in today’s music landscape, and I truly believe that we have the power to make a real and significant impact, which is why I didn’t hesitate to accept this opportunity,” said Brunner.

Co-CEO Paul Knowles added: “We first met Thom to discuss an artist he was working with, but were immediately struck by his energy, insight, and collaborative spirit. It was clear from that first meeting that he was someone we wanted to work with.

“So, when he later expressed genuine interest in being part of what we’re building at Dune, the timing couldn’t have been better. Thom’s experience and talent are exactly what we need at this pivotal stage of our growth, and we’re delighted to have him join us on this journey.”

“The more time I spend with the team at Dune, the more I’m struck by how clearly it answers real problems for artists.”

Max Crowther 

Crowther added: “The more time I spend with the team at Dune, the more I’m struck by how clearly it answers real problems for artists. The vision behind it aligns perfectly with the kind of work I’ve always gravitated toward, supporting artists, building structure around creativity, and creating systems that actually help people thrive.

“Being able to step into this role and contribute to something with this much potential feels genuinely inspiring, and I’m excited to help shape where Dune goes next!”

“Max is a phenomenal music business talent. His work with Clampdown Promotions in Manchester has gained his company a reputation for delivering high-end, diverse events.”

Paul Bowe, Dune

Co-CEO Paul Bowe, said: “Max is a phenomenal music business talent. His work with Clampdown Promotions in Manchester has gained his company a reputation for delivering high-end, diverse events.

“His eye for discovering emerging talent is exceptional, and his ability to operate our core administration whilst liaising with established artists, management and the wider team has been nothing short of exceptional. We’re proud to have Max with us on this journey.”

Music Business Worldwide

A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser
extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your
connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser.