Ukrainian analyst warns Trump should avoid “peace” that empowers Putin
As President-elect Donald Trump’s team hints at freezing the Ukraine war, Ukrainian expert Alyona Hetmanchuk urges guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s security against future Russian aggression.
The capitulation of Ukraine would mean “peace” through Russian ruler Vladimir Putin’s force, not Donald Trump’s, and therefore is not in the interest of the newly elected US president, said Alyona Hetmanchuk, director of the New Europe Center, according to UNIAN.
During the US elections, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the war “in 24 hours,” but details of his plan have been scarce. Recent reports suggest his approach may involve freezing the war along current front lines and establishing a demilitarized zone, pressuring Ukraine to make territory concessions, and delaying NATO membership for at least 20 years.
However, a ceasefire along current front lines could allow Russia to regroup and strengthen its positions, potentially leading to more violence. In addition, Russia’s history of breaking international agreements suggests that any deal might not be upheld as it wants to capture all territory of Ukraine, not just its separate regions.
However, Hetmanchuk notes that it is currently unclear how Donald Trump envisions the end of the war in Ukraine.
“There have been statements from his team about freezing the war. The question here is whether Ukraine will be provided with security guarantees—whether through NATO or certain military mechanisms that will protect us during a very vulnerable phase and prevent Russia from launching an even more aggressive attack in a year or a few years,” said Hetmanchuk.
The expert emphasized that achieving this goal cannot be thoroughly worked out in 24 hours, as it requires agreements leading to a sustainable, fair peace.
Hetmanchuk pointed out that the concept of “peace through strength” is popular within the Republican Party, although not all its members support it.
“If Trump accepts this concept, we must make it clear that Ukraine’s capitulation—giving Putin everything he wants without providing Ukraine with security guarantees, continued military aid, or the opportunity to develop as a European state—would mean peace through Putin’s strength, not Trump’s, which is not in his interest,” Hetmanchuk noted.
Republican Donald Trump will return to the White House for a second term, having secured the necessary electoral votes. A few hours later, Donald Trump declared victory in the US presidential election during an address to his supporters in Florida. In his speech, Trump announced his intention to end all wars, including the one in Ukraine.
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