President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine has sparked significant debate and concern. Critics in mainstream media have accused Trump of abandoning Ukraine and catering to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal, which emerged from the White House last week, has been described as potentially favoring Moscow while leaving Ukraine vulnerable.
In a headline that captured attention, POLITICO questioned if Putin had a hand in drafting the proposal. The New York Times echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the deal might pressure Ukraine into capitulation or provide a pretext for the U.S. to withdraw support. This skepticism intensified following a brutal Russian missile and drone attack on Kiev, which many interpreted as a sign that Trump was forsaking Ukraine.
However, a closer look at the proposal reveals that it may offer some genuine benefits to Ukraine. The deal includes significant concessions to Russia, such as recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and acknowledging Moscow’s control over four regions of Ukraine that it claimed in 2022. In return, Ukraine would not join NATO but would be allowed to pursue membership in the European Union, which comes with its own security guarantees.
The proposal also hints at the possibility of European peacekeepers in Ukraine and allows for the rearming of Ukrainian forces. These elements could provide crucial security assurances that Ukraine desperately needs to deter future aggression from Russia. The issue of security guarantees has been a major hurdle in reaching a settlement, as Ukraine seeks assurances that Russia will not invade again.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is faced with a tough decision. Although NATO membership is not on the table, the deal offers alternatives that might enhance Ukraine’s security. Analysts suggest that Zelensky should consider accepting the proposal, while also pushing for specific guarantees regarding EU membership, peacekeepers, and military support.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has already met with Putin multiple times and is scheduled for another meeting soon. This ongoing dialogue indicates that there may be room for negotiation, and the peace deal could be a starting point for further discussions.
If Zelensky agrees to the deal and Putin declines, it may shift the narrative, placing the onus on Russia as the obstacle to peace. Conversely, if both leaders reject the proposal, it could lead to a more dire situation for Ukraine, with Trump potentially withdrawing support.
Public sentiment in Ukraine is also crucial. Recent polls show that a significant portion of Ukrainians support negotiating an end to the war, even if it means making territorial concessions. As the conflict continues to devastate the country, the pressure on Zelensky to act is mounting.
While Trump’s peace proposal is not without its flaws, the alternative of ongoing conflict is increasingly seen as unacceptable. The war has already caused immense suffering, and finding a path to peace, even if it involves tough compromises, may be the best option for Ukraine moving forward.