Former US Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration, Richard Grenell, has expressed his advocacy for reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine. This agreement would preserve Ukraine’s territory and establish an autonomous region.
Prior to this, former President Trump had mentioned on multiple occasions that if he were to be re-elected, he might end the Russia-Ukraine war in a short period of time. However, Trump did not provide detailed plans, causing concerns among various parties.
On Monday, during a roundtable meeting at the Bloomberg event held at the Republican National Convention, Grenell made the above remarks.
Despite Grenell repeatedly stating that his statements do not represent Trump’s position and that he has not discussed the related issues with him, he is considered as a possible choice for Secretary of State if Trump were to be re-elected. It is believed that through his statements, insights into the recommendations and plans that Trump might accept can be understood.
Grenell did not further elaborate on the plan he proposed, but the eastern territories of Ukraine that are currently under the control of Russian forces or pro-Russian separatists could potentially be designated as “autonomous regions.”
Grenell’s plan is likely to face opposition from Ukrainian President Zelensky. Zelensky has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine’s territory should return to the borders it had in 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved, including the Crimea Peninsula and the eastern regions of Ukraine.
During the meeting, Grenell said, “Autonomy is significant to many, but you have to address these detail issues.”
Grenell also stated that although Ukraine aspires to join NATO, Ukraine should not rush to join NATO. He believes that NATO should not expand until all existing members meet defense spending targets.
“We must honestly address the issue of adding new members to NATO,” he said. “We should not add new members when existing members are not paying their fair share.”
Grenell also attempted to downplay concerns about Trump. He said, “I think it’s obvious that Trump cares more about NATO than any other president because he is the one trying to provide more funding to NATO.”
He refuted claims that US allies are worried about Trump’s potential re-election, asserting that privately, they all hope for Trump to return to the White House.
“When I travel abroad and meet with other leaders, you would hear very different things in private,” Grenell said.
“I’m very heartened that our world is not only not afraid of Trump, but also wants to see him return. NATO leaders want to see him come back,” he said.
Grenell’s proposal regarding Ukraine may also garner support from JD Vance, Trump’s potential running mate.
Vance has been openly critical of US assistance to Ukraine, and in April, he wrote a column expressing his views. According to Vance, even with strict conscription policies, Ukraine would need more soldiers and resources than the country could provide.
“This reality must impact all future policies of Ukraine, from further aid in Congress to diplomatic policies set by the president,” Vance wrote at the time.
Vance urged Ukraine to adopt a defensive strategy to preserve valuable military manpower, reduce casualties, and provide time to initiate negotiations.
During last month’s presidential debate, Trump also mentioned that if he wins re-election in November, he hopes to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict before his inauguration. However, Trump did not provide detailed plans at that time.