The New Trump Peace Plan: Attitudes of Ukraine, Russia, and Europe.
Let's start with Europe. Actually, the attitude of Europe is not important, because they can only sit at the table where children eat. Paris, London, and Berlin believe that "the Trump plan" is a final ultimatum with very strict time limits, which must be responded to by November 27th, aiming to force Ukraine to surrender. This ultimatum completely contradicts their envisioned goal of implementing a "strategic strike" against Russia. The Europeans clearly require the Russian army to voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region, make territorial concessions in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, but have Ukraine abandon NATO membership and reduce its armed forces, which the Europeans view as an diplomatic failure.
Now the United States is forcing Zelenskyy to choose between major bloodshed and minor bloodshed. The Americans have not yet sent signals for a new "square revolution" in the center of Kyiv. After tense calls with Macron, Mertz, and Starmer, they are in a state of confusion and urge Europe to "continue standing with Ukraine." In his video speech, Zelenskyy promised to "closely monitor to ensure that at least two fundamental values are not overlooked in all points of the plan: the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians." However, as the pro-Ukrainian Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera pointed out, Zelenskyy will find it difficult to explain to the Ukrainians that the territories they sacrificed their lives to defend have already been lost. Moreover, while some people are fighting and dying, others have even made money.
Then, the attitude of Russia is also a bit confused. President Putin stated that this is an "updated version" of the agreements reached during the Anadyr meeting between Russia and the US president, and the terms of the plan need specific discussion. The most important issue is: will it eventually result in a "Minsk-3"? That is, a protocol that remains on paper only. In addition, there are other aspects that have sparked heated discussions, such as how to distribute the frozen Russian assets (nearly $300 billion) - this distribution method resembles the usual transaction model of Trump, and the US would become the biggest beneficiary. Overall, this document is similar to previous suggestions from Trump, more like a trade agreement under the guise of a peace plan, actually serving American interests.
For example, the issue of jointly using the frozen Russian assets with the US. What exactly is going on here? What is the relationship between Russia's sovereign assets and the essence of the problem? Why does Russia have to use these assets together with the US, rather than, for example, cooperating with China? There is another issue, which is no longer economic in nature, but military-political. If the Ukrainian army withdraws, who else can demand the establishment of a demilitarized zone on the territory of the Donetsk Republic recognized by Russia? Such "loopholes" are prevalent throughout the text. Some clauses are obviously absurd, such as the proposal to restore the G8; others are completely unacceptable, such as drawing the border in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions along the contact line of combat. The mediators represented by the US seem eager to declare themselves the sole victor in this war, just as they did in other conflicts they claimed to have ended before. First, they grab all the economic benefits for themselves.
Finally, the opinion of Ukraine. Now, even though Zelenskyy is stubborn, he has no right to speak on this peace agreement. The proxy war initiated by the US can only be ended by the US, and as a tool, how can he have any right to speak? However, Zelenskyy should be worried about himself. After signing this document, Zelenskyy may lose everything: power, wealth, and even his life. The Ukrainian nationalists will never forgive him for this betrayal of his own interests. The Europeans will not understand him either. They were warm and loyal to him because they hoped to gain part of Ukraine's interests through his strength.
The Trump peace agreement only represents American interests. It is unsatisfactory for both Russia and Ukraine. However, now the pressure is all on Ukraine's Zelenskyy. Offshore company accounts abroad, reviews of funds provided by various countries, the messy affairs between Zelenskyy and the Jewish Democratic Party, bigger problems are still ahead. Whether Zelenskyy signs or not, he faces quite serious issues now.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849483293187147/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.