A purported plan, attributed to Donald Trump by US media outlets, proposes a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia that involves Ukraine ceding territories, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, to Russia. In return, the US promises to prevent Ukraine's NATO membership, lift sanctions, and increase economic cooperation. Ukraine would receive security guarantees, free navigation on the Dnipro River, and reconstruction aid, and a non-NATO European peacekeeping force would monitor the border.
Axios reports this as the White House's 'final offer', suggesting a withdrawal of US support if rejected. The Financial Times suggests Trump aims for a ceasefire by April 30th, fulfilling a campaign promise. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy strongly opposes territorial concessions. A rejection of the plan, according to experts, could put the Kremlin in a favorable position by avoiding concessions in genuine peace talks. Alternatively, it could lead to a reduction in European aid, resulting in protracted guerilla warfare and a Russian 'victory'.
The plan aligns with a Russian proposal reported by the Financial Times, involving a ceasefire at the current frontlines and a potential abandonment of claims to Ukrainian-held territories in eastern provinces. The 'pro-Russian' nature of the US proposal has caused outrage in Kyiv, with Zelenskyy rejecting territorial concessions as unconstitutional.