Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, is already being presented with bold plans to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to a report by Reuters, his advisers have drafted three different strategies, all of which seem to have one thing in common: Ukraine would have to give up some of its land to Russia and abandon its dreams of joining NATO.
These proposals, crafted by key figures in Trump’s inner circle, outline a mix of compromises and hardline tactics aimed at ending the conflict. Here’s a breakdown of what’s reportedly on the table:
The Key Players and Their Plans
One plan was put forward by Keith Kellogg, a retired Army Lieutenant General who is expected to serve as Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Another was drafted by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and the third came from Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting intelligence chief. While the details of each plan vary, all of them revolve around convincing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make significant concessions to Russia.
“Carrots and Sticks” Strategy
One approach being considered involves a “carrots and sticks” tactic. This means offering rewards and punishments to push both sides toward negotiations. For Ukraine, the stick could be cutting off U.S. military aid if Zelensky refuses to come to the table. On the flip side, if Russia’s Vladimir Putin shows reluctance to engage in talks, the U.S. would increase weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Despite these plans, sources say Trump hasn’t yet formed a central team to unify these ideas into a single strategy. However, his advisers believe the key to any deal will be personal talks between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky.
Trump’s Bold Campaign Promise
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine within just 24 hours. While the promise captured headlines, he never explained exactly how he would achieve such a dramatic feat. Now, as he prepares to take office, these plans might offer a glimpse into his strategy.
Zelensky’s Changing Stance
For much of the war, Zelensky has been firm in rejecting any idea of giving up Ukrainian land to Russia. But in a recent interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, he hinted at a slight shift. Zelensky said Ukraine could potentially cede some territories to Russia—temporarily, at least—with the hope of regaining them through diplomatic efforts in the future. However, he insists that guaranteed NATO membership for Ukraine must be part of any peace deal. To Zelensky, joining NATO would ensure Ukraine is better protected if another conflict with Russia arises.
Russia’s Perspective
On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated that Moscow is open to a diplomatic solution but has its own list of demands. For Russia, ending the conflict would require Ukraine to stop expanding NATO’s influence and address the alleged mistreatment of Russian-speaking citizens in the country.
The Stakes Are High
Trump’s promise to resolve the war quickly puts him under immense pressure to deliver. However, the cost of peace might be too steep for Ukraine, especially if it involves surrendering territory and compromising its sovereignty.
The question now is: can Trump really broker a deal that satisfies both sides, or will his bold plans face resistance from Ukraine, Russia, and even his own allies in the West? As Trump steps closer to the Oval Office, the world watches to see whether his peace promises will bring an end to the conflict—or ignite even more tension.
