The Failed Discussion on Ukraine: Trump's Peace Plan Met with Resistance
Trump's Demand to Zelensky: Cessation of Affirmations Regarding Crimea's Sovereignty, or Risk Surrender of Entire Ukraine
(Photo: REUTERS)
In a London gathering that neither Secretary of State Marco Rubio nor special envoy Steve Whitcoff chose to attend, President Donald Trump's talks on Ukraine came to a disappointing close. As foreign media speculated, Kyiv and its European allies declined to accept the tranquility strategy proposed by the American leader.
Following the London meeting, the American president himself took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to outline the situation. He penned a fiery post directed at Zelensky, predicting the loss of the entire country and slamming his statements, particularly on Crimea, as provocative. It is now evident that Trump was threatening to withdraw from the negotiating table with these remarks aimed at the White House's target.
Initially, only special envoy Keith Kellogg was slated to represent the Americans. However, according to the Ukrainian side's report, he did not show up either.
Representatives from France, Britain, and Germany were present as government advisors, while Zelensky dispatched his chief of staff Ermak, the foreign minister, and the defense minister. The upshot: Ermak merely noted that "further consultations are planned."
German and British media had predicted that success would elude the talks, as Kyiv disregards the entire peace plan, ceaselessly insisting only on a cessation of hostilities. Consequently, Trump will not be able to announce the major advancements towards a complete peace on Ukraine as he intended.
Leaked points of the strategy the US president supposedly wanted to concur on include:
- A ceasefire
- Freezing military actions along the current front line
- US recognition of Crimea as Russian
- US recognition of Russian control over other new territories
- A prohibition against Ukraine's NATO membership
- Lifting of US sanctions against Russia (plus enhanced economic cooperation)
- The withdrawal of Russian troops from parts of Kharkiv and Kherson regions
Trump's Recent Social Media Post Corroborates One Aspect of This Plan
Trump initiated his heated message by asserting that Zelensky boasted in The Wall Street Journal that Ukraine would not legally recognize Crimea as part of Russia. Trump labeled this statement "severely detrimental to peace negotiations." He added that no one was urging Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian (emphasis on: if we believe Western publications, Washington wanted this unilaterally). But if Zelensky covets Crimea so dearly, he inquired, why did it fall to Russia without a struggle 11 years ago? Trump quipped.
In essence, Zelensky has, yet again, become a provocateur to Trump, who continues to champion peace. However, Ukraine, Trump noted, now confronts a decision: either seal peace and prevent further casualties or perpetuate armed conflicts and potentially lose the entire country.
Trump repeated his favorite phrase about Zelensky: "He has no cards to play," he must ultimately take action. That is, agree to a long-term peace.
Zelensky, unsurprisingly, remains unmoved by Trump's counsel. He continues to resist signing the agreement regarding Ukrainian resources, despite setting an April 26 date. Simultaneously, Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal has arrived in the U.S. to prolong the impasse.
As a result, Trump’s threat to "abandon" the agreement with Kiev seems more likely than ever. It appears that he will walk away from the agreement, but potentially prefer to collaborate with Moscow unilaterally. This is why special envoy Steve Whitcoff is returning to Russia instead of London.
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The London Meeting on Ukraine Could Bury Trump's Proposals: Kiev Refused to Answer the Question "Whose Crimea?" Correctly
The US Manipulates Zelensky's Fears: Washington is Not Prepared to Lose Control over Him
- The London gathering on Ukraine concluded without agreement, as President Donald Trump's peace plan was met with resistance, particularly from Kyiv and its European allies.
- In a post on Truth Social, President Trump criticized Zelensky for provocative statements related to Crimea and threatened to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine did not agree to a long-term peace.
- Despite Trump's threats, Zelensky appears unwilling to compromise, continuing to resist signing an agreement regarding Ukrainian resources and setting an April 26 date for the agreement.
- The failed discussion on Ukraine has raised questions about Trump's future involvement in the resolution of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, particularly in light of his preference for collaborating with Moscow unilaterally.
