Press service of the President of Ukraine / flickr.com / Trump White House

US President-elect Donald Trump is considering an 800-mile (about 1,287 kilometres) buffer zone between the armies of Ukraine and Russia to freeze the conflict. The British newspaper The Telegraph reports that three people from Trump’s inner circle have confirmed the existence of such a plan.

According to the details that became known after Trump’s election victory, European and British troops are to take over the security of this zone. American forces, however, will not be involved in this operation.

The conditions include a freeze on the frontline and Ukraine’s abandonment of its aspirations to join NATO for the next 20 years. In return, the United States promises to continue supplying weapons to deter possible new aggressive actions by Russia. According to a member of Trump’s team, the US will only provide training and support, but the “guns” will be European.

This plan is part of Trump’s strategy to end the war in Ukraine, which aims to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed his readiness to discuss a peaceful resolution of the situation in Ukraine.

Although official Kyiv signals its willingness to consider Trump’s peace initiatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly opposed any agreements that could be seen as a victory for Moscow. During a recent summit in Budapest, he emphasised: “Concessions to Putin are suicide for Europe. Peace will only be possible if Ukraine remains strong”.

Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to end the conflict “in one day”, although he has not yet voiced the details of his strategy. One of the options proposed by his associates is to freeze the front line and recognise Russia’s territorial gains. In September, US Vice President-elect J.D. Vance supported this idea, noting that Ukraine could be granted neutral status.

The situation on the frontline remains difficult, and Europe is already considering increasing defence spending, fearing a decline in US support after Trump’s inauguration.

This situation is prompting European leaders to discuss alternative plans in case the US cuts military aid to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that Europe should “write its own history” and not depend on external decisions.