Donald Trump. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/AP
According to the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump’s administration is preparing an alternative “peace plan” to end the war in Ukraine. The plan envisages the creation of a joint commission of Ukrainian, Russian representatives and non-NATO third parties to monitor the ceasefire.
One of the key elements of the document is the concept of the so-called “stability forces” – special European contingents that could be deployed on the territory of Ukraine after a ceasefire is reached.
“The most difficult thing is what the security forces will look like. We call it a resilience force. This is part of the guarantees that Ukrainians want, and we hope they will get them,” the newspaper quoted a senior Trump team official as saying.
Commission with Russia and a non-NATO country: a new approach to peacekeeping
They are also discussing the creation of a frontline observation mission in the format of a joint commission with the participation of Ukraine, Russia and a third neutral non-NATO country. The group is expected to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and record violations.
The US is allegedly ready to contribute financially, but not with a military presence – “not with boots on the ground, but with a wallet,” as the source notes.
The price of peace: rumours of Crimea being recognised as Russian
The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump’s draft plan considers the possibility of recognising Crimea as Russian territory, which would be a radical step and a subject of heated debate both in Ukraine and among allies in Europe.
In addition, a senior Trump administration official said that Kyiv is allegedly ready to “de facto” give up 20% of its territory if it is not legally recognised. According to him, it is this “land part” of the agreement that is of greatest concern to the Ukrainian side.
