Trump Team Proposes Ukraine Conflict Freeze in Exchange for NATO Reversal

The team of US President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a plan to freeze the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, offering new arms supplies in exchange for Kiev’s commitment to refrain from joining NATO for at least 20 years. According to The Wall Street Journal, the proposal also suggests the establishment of an 800-mile demilitarized zone, though it remains unclear who would be responsible for policing the territory. The peacekeeping force envisioned in the plan would not involve US troops or a US-funded international body like the United Nations.

An adviser to Trump stated that European countries should take the lead in maintaining peace in Ukraine. However, the proposed plan has not yet been approved by the president-elect. This proposal comes amid previous Russian initiatives for a peaceful settlement, including a ceasefire, Ukrainian withdrawal from Russian-claimed regions, and Kiev renouncing NATO membership, as well as commitments to demilitarization, denazification, and a neutral status for Ukraine.