The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has lasted for two years and four months, with tens of thousands of casualties on both sides. This is the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II. Recently, two prominent advisors of former US President Trump presented him with a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The plan entails informing Ukraine that only through negotiations can they receive more US assistance if Trump wins this year’s presidential election.
According to Reuters’ report on Tuesday, one of Trump’s national security advisors during his administration, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, stated in an interview that while urging Ukraine to negotiate, the US would also warn Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine.
Fred Fleitz, who previously served as Chief of Staff to the National Security Council in the Trump administration, and Kellogg jointly drafted this plan. The plan calls for both Russia and Ukraine to cease hostilities at the current frontline positions during negotiations.
Fleitz mentioned that they have introduced this strategy to Trump, who responded positively. Fleitz said, “I’m not saying he has agreed or agrees with every word, but we are pleased to have received feedback.”
However, Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that only statements issued by Trump or authorized members of his campaign team should be considered official statements.
Currently, this plan represents the most detailed ceasefire plan proposed by Trump’s advisory team. Trump has expressed his intention to promptly resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict if he defeats Biden in the election, without disclosing specific details.
Analysts from Reuters suggest that this proposal signals a significant shift in America’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, potentially facing opposition from European allies and within the Republican Party where Trump belongs.
The Kremlin stated that any future peace plans must reflect the local realities of Russia and Ukraine, although President Putin remains open to negotiations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Reuters, “The value of any plan lies in the nuances, taking into account the actual situation on the ground.” He added, “President Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia has and will continue to maintain an open attitude towards negotiations.”
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comments on the plan.
Kellogg and Fleitz, leading the think tank America First Policy Institute, published a paper outlining the core content of the plan.
Kellogg emphasized the importance of swiftly getting Russia and Ukraine to the negotiation table if Trump wins the election. He stated, “We tell Ukraine, ‘You must sit at the negotiation table. If you don’t, American support will diminish.’ We also tell Putin, ‘You must sit at the negotiation table. If you don’t, we will provide Ukrainians with everything they need to kill you on the battlefield.'”
According to their plan, Ukraine is not required to formally cede territory to Russia. However, Fleitz believes that Ukraine is unlikely to regain practical control over all territories in the short term. He mentioned, “Our concern is that this has become a war of attrition that will kill an entire generation of young people.”
Trump’s spokesperson Cheung said, “President Trump has repeatedly stated that his top priority in his second term is to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war through negotiations.”
Some Republicans are cautious about the plan to provide additional resources to Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion, the US has provided over $70 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
Senior research fellow at the Foreign Relations Committee, Charles Kupchan, remarked, “(Trump supporters) want to reduce aid or even turn off the tap (stop aid).”
Earlier this month, Putin stated that if Ukraine agrees to forgo joining NATO and surrenders the eastern and southern regions claimed by Russia, the war could end.
Last week, at a UN Security Council meeting, the French and British ambassadors reiterated their stance that only with Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory can peace be sought, a position also held by Kyiv.
Some analysts are concerned that Kellogg and Fleitz’s plan may give Moscow an advantage in negotiations.
Daniel Fried, a former Assistant Secretary of State responsible for Russia policy, said, “Kellogg describes a process that leans towards Ukraine surrendering all territories currently occupied by Russia.”
Last week, in a podcast interview, Trump excluded the possibility of sending US troops to Ukraine and expressed skepticism about Ukraine becoming a NATO member. If elected, he stated he would swiftly take action to cut aid to Kyiv.
Biden has been advocating for increased assistance to Ukraine, with his administration also supporting Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership. Earlier in June, Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement.