The newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, as expected, encountered the harsh reality of international politics. His attempt to initiate a “peace plan” to end the war in Ukraine was firmly rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Why did the Kremlin refuse to compromise, and what does this mean for the future?
What did Trump’s team propose?
In early November 2024, Donald Trump’s team proposed delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership for at least 10 years as a key condition for ending the war. This idea was based on an attempt to find a compromise that would satisfy both sides of the conflict.
However, on December 26, 2024, commenting on this proposal, Putin categorically stated:
“It doesn’t matter whether Ukraine joins NATO today, tomorrow, or in 10 years.”
This statement was a clear signal: the Kremlin is not willing to compromise on its strategic goals, regardless of the proposed conditions.
Putin’s stance: no compromises
According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Putin only reiterated his previous demands, voiced back in 2021-2022. They include:
- Forcing Ukraine to become a neutral state that will never join NATO.
- Strict limitations on the size of the Ukrainian army.
- Removal of the current Ukrainian government.
These conditions, which resemble more of an ultimatum, indicate a lack of readiness for genuine negotiations.
Why did Putin refuse?
Putin’s rejection of Trump’s “peace plan” can be explained by several key reasons:
- Kremlin’s strategic goals: Russia seeks full control over Ukraine, not temporary compromises.
- Domestic politics: Putin wants to demonstrate to his audience that he does not succumb to US pressure.
- International reputation: Accepting Trump’s terms could be seen as an acknowledgment of the failure of Russia’s military campaign.
What does this mean for Ukraine and the world?
- Lack of peace prospects: Trump’s proposal, at first glance, could have stopped the fighting, but the Kremlin made it clear that the war will continue until its maximalist goals are achieved.
- Further escalation: Rejecting compromise will only worsen the situation, potentially leading to new losses for both sides.
- Impact on US-Russia relations: This Kremlin’s move shows disrespect for US initiatives, which could further complicate relations between the two countries.
US Position: Firmness or Flexibility?
Catherine Croft, former US charge d’affaires at the OSCE, previously stated that there had been no signs of Putin’s willingness to negotiate in good faith for a year. This means Washington has a choice: continue to seek diplomatic solutions or strengthen support for Ukraine.
Obviously, Trump’s populist statements, which he actively and recklessly spread during the election campaign, collapsed and proved his inability to fulfill what was declared. Will this affect his reputation? Unlikely, as the political elite had already seen the falsehood of his statements at the time of their expression. For those who naively believed in the omnipotence of the new US President Donald Trump, a suitable excuse will be prepared and voiced, in which Russia will be blamed.
Americans Who Remind Ukrainians
This is constantly observed in politics. An example could be the same President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, one of whose main slogans during the election campaign was “We just need to stop shooting” (to stop the war in Donbas, which was managed to be stopped and localized during the term of the previous President Petro Poroshenko). Ukrainians reacted vividly to such promises without delving into the details of whether this would really work in practice. Now, history has repeated itself, but with a different President. Because the tools for working with the electorate remain constant and unchanged.
Conclusion: Lesson for the World
Donald Trump’s attempt to find a compromise with the Kremlin showed one important thing: it is impossible to reach an agreement with Putin on terms that do not meet his maximalist demands. Ukraine, as well as its international partners, must be prepared for a long struggle for a just peace.
What do you think about Putin’s rejection of Trump’s proposal? Could the “peaceful plan” really have stopped the war? Share your thoughts in the comments!
