President Donald Trump is feeling the weight of the ongoing war in Ukraine as he attempts to push for a peace settlement. His ambitions to resolve the conflict quickly have faced harsh realities. Recently, he criticized Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of hindering peace efforts, claiming that the war would not have started if he had been in office. Just days later, after a somber meeting with Zelensky at the Vatican, Trump shifted his focus to Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning his commitment to peace.
Trump is under pressure as Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the U.S. might withdraw from the peace process if Ukraine and Russia don’t provide convincing reasons to continue. Last week, the Trump administration proposed a draft peace plan aimed at balancing Russia’s demands with Ukraine’s desire for independence. However, the proposal has sparked strong objections from both sides. Zelensky rejected the plan’s acceptance of Crimea as Russian territory, stating that such expectations were unrealistic. Meanwhile, Russia reiterated its stance that Ukraine must be demilitarized and come under its influence.
Critics have slammed the peace plan, arguing it unfairly favors Russia. Historian Timothy Snyder called it "strategic idiocy," while others likened it to a one-sided agreement that could embolden authoritarian regimes. Some aspects of the plan do appear to disadvantage Ukraine, such as allowing Russia to keep Crimea and freezing the war along current lines. The proposal also restricts Ukraine’s future NATO membership and suggests lifting economic sanctions on Russia.
Despite these criticisms, some analysts argue that the deal might not be as favorable to Russia as it seems. Ukraine would retain the right to build its military and receive compensation for war damages. The plan also dismisses Russia’s demands for Ukraine to become a vassal state.
As the conflict drags on, the reality is that Ukraine’s options are limited. Rejecting the deal could lead to worse terms in the future as the war continues. The Russian military, despite its losses, has more resources and manpower. Ukraine, on the other hand, faces challenges in sustaining its efforts without increased support from the West.
In early 2023, Ukraine had an opportunity to push for peace talks while Russia was vulnerable. Instead, the focus shifted to a more aggressive counteroffensive, resulting in heavy casualties and minimal territorial gains. Now, with stakes higher than before, Zelensky must decide whether to accept Trump’s plan or risk escalating the conflict further. The current U.S. administration appears less committed to supporting Ukraine’s maximalist goals, adding to the urgency of his decision.
