'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Kremlin has rejected a proposal reportedly pitched by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s team to end the Russia-Ukraine war, involving a 20-year deferral of Ukraine’s NATO membership in exchange for a ceasefire. The decision underscores the complexities of negotiating peace between the warring nations as the conflict drags into its second year.
The rejection was confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during separate public engagements, where they dismissed the idea as insufficient to address Moscow’s security concerns.
The proposal, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and other outlets, suggests deferring Ukraine’s NATO membership for two decades while establishing a demilitarized zone along the frontlines. The zone, potentially spanning 1,290 kilometers (800 miles), would be fortified to prevent further incursions.
According to sources close to Trump, Ukraine would also cede parts of its territory currently occupied by Russia, including regions in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. These areas represent about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, captured by Russia since 2014.
Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, elaborated on the plan in a recent interview, suggesting European forces could oversee the peacekeeping efforts. Retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine war, has also indicated that sanctions relief for Russia might be part of the negotiations.
Russian officials dismissed the deferral of NATO membership as inconsequential. During his annual press conference on December 26, President Putin stated, “In terms of historical distances and timeframes, this is a moment. What difference does it make to us – today, tomorrow, or in 10 years?”
Lavrov echoed these sentiments in an interview with the state-owned TASS news agency, emphasizing that Russia would not accept NATO forces or European peacekeepers in Ukraine. He also noted that no official communication had been received from the Trump team, as President-elect Trump will not assume office until January 20.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that any peace deal must include the return of annexed territories, including Crimea. However, in a recent interview, Zelenskyy hinted at a potential compromise, suggesting that NATO membership could initially apply only to territories under Ukraine’s control.
NATO members remain cautious about admitting Ukraine while the war persists, as the alliance’s mutual defense clause would effectively place NATO at war with Russia. Despite assurances of Ukraine’s eventual membership, negotiations remain fraught.
Analysts argue that Russia’s rejection of the proposal may be strategic. Timothy Ash, an associate fellow at Chatham House, suggests that while Putin may posture resistance, he is likely seeking a deal to end the war due to the strain on Russia’s military and economy.
“Putin is bluffing; he wants a deal,” Ash said. “Trump is in a strong position, Putin is in a weak position. Trump can sustain a long war as the U.S. wins from huge defense sales with zero U.S. casualties.”
However, Ash warns that any peace deal must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future invasions.
Meanwhile, tensions have risen between Ukraine and Slovakia following a visit by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico to Moscow. Fico, known for his skepticism of EU military support for Ukraine, hinted at potential retaliation if Ukraine cuts off gas transits through its territory.
Zelenskyy accused Fico of opening a “second energy front” against Kyiv, while Fico suggested Slovakia would reassess its stance on energy cooperation with Ukraine.
With Russia rejecting Trump’s proposed truce and Ukraine maintaining firm demands on territorial integrity, the path to peace remains elusive. The focus now shifts to Trump’s ability to navigate these challenges and present a viable plan that satisfies all parties when he assumes office in January.
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