Trump Facing Competing Strategies Ending Ukraine Russia War

Trump's Peace Initiative: Donald Trump has prioritized ending the Russia-Ukraine war in his 2024 presidential campaign. Since returning to office, he has initiated diplomacy previously absent, including sending delegations and engaging directly with Vladimir Putin.

Recent Diplomacy: Steve Witkoff, one of Trump’s envoys, met with Putin in St. Petersburg in a 5-hour meeting. This is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at brokering peace. Meanwhile, Trump has had direct communication with Putin and sent multiple delegations abroad.

Conflicting US Strategies: There is internal conflict within Trump’s team:

Steve Witkoff has proposed a controversial plan that reportedly accepts Russia's control over four eastern Ukrainian regions, drawing backlash from humanitarian groups and political figures.

Keith Kellogg, another Trump envoy, opposes Witkoff’s plan, arguing it would require Ukraine to cede too much and abandon civilians in contested areas.

Russian Demands: Russia, through figures like Sergey Lavrov, insists on:

Recognition of territorial claims (June 14 lines).

Ukrainian neutrality (no NATO membership).

Demilitarization and “denazification” of Ukraine.

Kellogg's Alternative Plan: Kellogg proposed a post-war partition of Ukraine similar to post-WWII Berlin, with Western forces (British and French) stationed in western Ukraine. This is seen as provocative by Russia, contradicting their demand for no NATO presence.

Ukrainian Dilemma: Ukraine faces a difficult choice—either accept Trump-Putin terms and potentially lose territory and displace civilians, or continue fighting with uncertain Western support. The conflict is reaching a decision point.

Conclusion: The path to peace is complicated by internal U.S. disagreements, firm Russian demands, and the harsh reality for Ukrainian leadership. Any progress will likely hinge on whether a direct Trump-Putin meeting occurs and what terms can realistically be accepted by all sides.

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