Former President Donald Trump has reportedly floated a plan to resolve Russia's war in Ukraine by pressuring Ukraine to relinquish territory, a move criticized by some experts as rewarding Russian aggression. Trump's proposal includes urging Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia, a significant departure from President Biden's policy of curbing Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine with military aid.
As Trump aims for a return to power, he has claimed he could negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, without providing details on how. Trump-aligned foreign-policy thinkers have focused on countering China and reducing Russia's reliance on China for military and economic assistance. Trump has privately suggested that both Russia and Ukraine are willing to find a resolution, and some in Ukraine might be open to joining Russia.
However, experts warn that accepting Russian control over parts of Ukraine would strengthen Putin's dictatorship and undermine European security. Some of Trump’s supporters have advised against such concessions, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's NATO and EU membership. Trump's approach reflects his past admiration for Putin and skepticism of foreign intervention, which have characterized his foreign policy orientation.
Critics argue that Trump's plan lacks a detailed strategy and underestimates the complexities of the conflict and European security. They doubt that his efforts to peel Russia away from China through sanctions relief would succeed. European allies, meanwhile, are ramping up their military industry to reduce reliance on U.S. aid for Ukraine.
Overall, Trump's approach to Ukraine highlights his unconventional diplomacy and preference for personal negotiations over detailed policy planning. However, experts and critics remain skeptical about the effectiveness and consequences of his proposed peace plan.