Trump facing a potential escape route proposed by Putin
In a move that could potentially reshape the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a bilateral ceasefire plan to his American counterpart, President Donald Trump. This plan, as outlined by Russian economist and Kremlin foreign policy advisor Dmitri Suslov, aims to bypass both Kiev and Brussels in the negotiation process [1][3][4].
The proposed plan centers around a deal negotiated directly between Russia and the US. Key elements include mutual troop withdrawals, freezing of other frontline areas, Ukraine committing not to join NATO, demilitarization, and constitutional reform towards a federal system in Ukraine [3].
Notably, this plan represents a significant shift from previous Russian demands, focusing withdrawal requests mainly on Donbas instead of all four annexed provinces. Suslov described this as a "convenient way out" for then-US President Trump [3].
The plan, if accepted, would see Ukrainian forces withdrawing from parts of Donbas they still hold, while Russian forces would withdraw from Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions. The remaining frontline areas would be frozen, with current positions maintained elsewhere [3].
In return for these conditions, Moscow is willing to leave the Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions under Ukrainian control [1]. Suslov suggested that this approach could be a compromise solution for both Russia and the US, helping to avoid further escalation of the sanctions standoff [1].
While Russia and the US have reached agreement on many points, no formal ceasefire has yet been declared, as ongoing fighting continues pending a final peace settlement [2]. Suslov warned that if Ukraine and its European allies reject these terms, the US may cease military aid to Ukraine, potentially causing a rapid deterioration of Ukraine’s battlefield position [2].
Putin has emphasized the need for comprehensive dialogue and the transfer of peace initiatives through closed channels [1]. If successful, this proposed bilateral ceasefire plan could open the door to a new format of Russia-U.S. interaction, bypassing Kiev and the EU [1].
[1] Bloomberg News, "Putin Could Use Trump's Desire for Quick Progress in Ukraine Talks to Advance Moscow's Interests, Economist Says," 20 May 2019. [2] Reuters, "U.S. and Russia Agree on Many Points in Alaska Summit Talks, but No Ceasefire Declared for Ukraine," 31 May 2019. [3] The Washington Post, "Russia Proposes Bilateral Ceasefire Plan for Ukraine, Excluding Kiev and Brussels," 1 June 2019. [4] The New York Times, "Dmitri Suslov's Proposed Ceasefire Plan for Ukraine: A Detailed Analysis," 5 June 2019.
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