Trump considers NATO delay, demilitarized zone in Ukraine plan
Elected U.S. President Donald Trump may propose freezing the armed conflict with Russia in Ukraine without regaining lost territories and delaying NATO membership for at least 20 years, reports The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to sources, Trump's advisors are currently discussing this scenario for ending the war. It is anticipated that after freezing military actions along the entire front line, a demilitarized zone will be created. However, it is not yet clear who would ensure the safety of this zone.
However, one of the WSJ sources ruled out the involvement of U.S. troops or UN forces in providing security.
"Let the Poles, Germans, English, and French handle it"
In exchange for agreeing to delay NATO entry for 20 years, Trump promises continued arms supplies to Ukraine.
A Trump team member stated that while training military personnel and offering support is possible, the primary responsibility should lie with European nations. They clarified that American troops would not be deployed to secure peace in Ukraine, nor would the U.S. take on the financial burden. This responsibility, they suggested, should be managed by countries like Poland, Germany, the UK, and France.
The plan has not yet been approved
At the same time, WSJ sources emphasized that Trump has not yet approved a specific plan to end the conflict in Ukraine. A former advisor to the Republican on national security noted that Trump will make the decision personally and at the last moment, so "no one can predict in advance what the president will decide."
WSJ also points out that the plan to end the war described by sources resembles a resolution proposed in September by the future vice president, J.D. Vance.
According to him, Trump will propose a deal in which Russia retains control over Ukrainian territories, a demilitarized zone will be created on the current front line, and Ukrainian forces will be strengthened in case of a renewed conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow will receive guarantees that Ukraine will not join military alliances, including NATO.
WSJ predicts that various factions with differing views will compete to influence Trump's foreign policy during his second term. For example, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, seeking the position of defence secretary, may advocate for a solution that would not resemble a victory for Russia.
Meanwhile, Richard Grenell, regarded as the main candidate for the Secretary of State or National Security Advisor position, may agree to significant territorial concessions by Ukraine to end the war more quickly.
Zelensky reacts to election results in the USA
"I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine," wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who congratulated Trump on his election victory.
