President Donald Trump’s plans for peace in Ukraine have apparently been leaked, and include a ban on Ukraine joining NATO and territorial concessions to Russia in the east of the country.
According to reports that have been circulating in the Ukrainian media, a ceasefire would be sought by 20 April, bringing to an end Russia’s advance into Ukraine. In return, Ukraine would be prevented from joining NATO and be forced to accept Russian annexations of territory. Ukrainian troops would also be forced to leave Russia’s Kursk region, which they invaded in August.
In addition, there would be a contingent of European peacekeeping troops deployed to police a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine. American troops would not, apparently, be involved.
The leaked plan also states that the EU would assist Ukraine in its reconstruction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is said to have dismissed the ceasefire plans, while the White House has yet to provide any official comment on them.
The reports also claim that, “while many of the terms of the reported plans include concessions for Ukraine, Trump is also reportedly planning on continuing American support for Ukraine’s military, as well as a pathway for it to join the EU by 2030.”
“But Russia would also make significant gains as the plans include lifting sanctions on Russian energy over several years, though money from special duties on energy will be used to help fund Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.”
Moscow has said that Trump still needs to provide “substantial details” on any ceasefire deal. A spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry commented, “Right now, there are a lot of words, a lot of statements. There is no clarity or certainty about the steps being taken. Therefore, it would be premature to discuss the prospects of negotiations or anything in general in this context… We will focus on specific steps and actions.”