Trump may overturn Ukraine troop limit in peace proposal - WP
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the security guarantees in the peace plan for Ukraine are not yet strong enough, and the document remains open for negotiation, reports The Washington Post.
According to US officials close to the negotiations, Trump's proposed peace plan may undergo changes, in particular regarding the limitation of the Ukrainian army to 600,000 personnel. The possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles after the conclusion of a peace agreement is also being considered in order to strengthen deterrence in the post-war period.
One key official stressed that Ukraine's sovereignty cannot be compromised, as this could cause a serious crisis in Europe, comparing a possible collapse to the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991.
Critics of Trump's peace plan believe that it could encourage Moscow and undermine Ukrainian sovereignty, although officials insist that this is something they want to avoid.
At the same time, the official stressed that the US administration is fully committed to continuing intelligence support for Ukraine. The plan is currently “aspirational” and open to negotiation.
Despite Trump's statements about the Thanksgiving deadline, he denied that the 28 points were a final take-it-or-leave-it proposal.
According to US officials, Ukraine may consider compromises on territories in the Donetsk region and restrictions on the size of the army as part of a possible peace plan.
At a meeting in Florida, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may be ready to compromise on exchanging land in the Donetsk region for a peace agreement, as demanded by Russia.
Additionally, according to officials, Ukraine may consider reducing the size of its army to 600,000 personnel. After a wave of protests on Friday, one of the officials clarified that this limit could be increased or even abolished, as it does not affect the balance of personnel, which is already considered critical for Russia.
US peace plan for Ukraine
The US recently unveiled a 28-point peace plan developed jointly with Russia. It provides for the exchange of occupied territories in eastern and southern Ukraine for security guarantees, as well as a reduction in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a rejection of NATO.
Europe has reacted negatively to the proposal and is preparing its own version. Trump is demanding a decision from Kyiv by November 27, threatening a worsening of the situation, although on November 22, he acknowledged that the document could be changed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the situation a difficult dilemma between dignity and support for an ally, but promised to defend Ukraine's interests at a meeting in Geneva on November 23.
According to The Washington Post, European leaders have prepared an alternative peace plan. Under this plan, Ukraine would regain control of strategic facilities, and no restrictions would be imposed on the activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
