A confidential peace initiative attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump has surfaced, illustrating an ambitious agenda to facilitate peace between Ukraine and Russia by instituting a ceasefire by Easter 2025.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Trump is advocating for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire by April 20, curbing Russian advances in Ukraine—a focal point of the plan’s roadmap.
Central to the proposal is barring Ukraine from NATO membership, a long-standing aspiration for Kyiv. Moreover, Kyiv would acknowledge Russian sovereignty over territories annexed during the conflict and retreat its forces from the contested region of Kursk. Additionally, a demilitarized zone would be established, monitored by European—potentially British—forces, explicitly excluding U.S. military involvement.
Reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine remains a pivotal aspect of the plan, with the European Union anticipated to provide significant aid, estimated at $486 billion over the next decade. This financial support is vital for rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure and reinvigorating its economy.
The timeline for the peace initiative commences with a telephone dialogue between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin slated for early February. This would be followed by a summit between the leaders from late February to early March, culminating in the declaration of a ceasefire by April 20. Further terms of the agreement are expected to be disseminated by May 9, which would conclude ongoing martial law measures and military mobilizations in the region.
Despite Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO under the proposed deal, the country could expect sustained U.S. military aid alongside a strategic trajectory towards European Union membership by 2030. This line of support aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and facilitate deeper integration with European institutions, offering a semblance of long-term security.
While the proposal presents a structured pathway toward conflict resolution, it is not without controversy. Conceding territory and the stipulation against NATO membership could face significant resistance from Ukrainian stakeholders and allies. Moreover, the absence of the U.S. in peacekeeping capacities may impact perceptions of impartiality and adequacy in ensuring a lasting peace.
