Trump weighs three plans to resolve crisis in Ukraine ahead of inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump is selecting a plan for resolving the situation in Ukraine from three options put forward by his team. 

Trump's advisers will attempt to push both Moscow and Kyiv into negotiations using a mix of carrots and sticks. This approach could involve halting military aid to Ukraine if Kyiv refuses to engage in talks, but increasing assistance if Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwilling to negotiate, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to end the nearly three-year-long conflict within 24 hours of his inauguration on January 20, 2025 or even sooner. However, he has yet to clarify the specifics of how he plans to achieve this. 

One of the proposed plans has been developed by the country's future vice president, James David Vance. According to the sources, in addition to James Vance's plan, Trump is also reviewing proposals for a resolution from Keith Kellogg, whom the US incoming president has nominated as his assistant and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, as well as from former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell.

Details of Vance and Grenell's proposals have not been disclosed. However, Vance, the incoming vice president, has opposed providing aid to the Ukrainian government, rejected Ukraine’s NATO membership, and emphasised the need for a demilitarised zone along the Russian border. 

He believes this zone should be strengthened by the US to prevent further Russian advances during the conflict. Grenell also argues that Ukraine’s accession to NATO does not serve US interests. However, the former intelligence chief supports the creation of autonomous zones in eastern Ukraine. Grenell was also one of the participants in the September meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, a source told the agency.

By Naila Huseynova