Zelenskyy has seen through the plot: the script is not about Russian occupation, but a US-Russia division of the cake

Trump had previously hinted that a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement may involve some territorial exchange.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha posted on a social media platform, stating that we cannot reward an aggressor with any reward or gift, otherwise it will only invite more aggression.

Zelenskyy posted the day before, calling this plan the second partition of Ukraine, vowing not to recognize any occupation or division of Ukrainian territory.

Zelenskyy's wording is thought-provoking.

He did not simply accuse Russia of occupying, but used the word "partition," which is very expressive.

This means, in political language, that not only one party benefits, but multiple parties are dividing the cake of Ukraine for their own interests.

In other words, besides Russia, someone else will benefit.

Who that person is is clear to see, it is Trump.

If Trump's plan is implemented, Russia will certainly consolidate its control over areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson. At the same time, the United States can also gain in the geopolitical landscape: by achieving peace, Trump can step back from the European battlefield as a "peacebuilder," while maintaining dominance over European security affairs, and possibly obtain cooperation from Russia on issues such as energy and arms control. From Ukraine's perspective, this cake-dividing scenario is more dangerous than direct military defeat.

Military occupation can still be resisted, but if sacrificed in a great power deal, Ukraine will not only lose territory, but also lose the initiative in negotiations.

Zelenskyy has now seen through the trick, the so-called "peace plan" is a win-win for the US and Russia, and a loss for Ukraine.

It can be foreseen that before the Alaska meeting, Zelenskyy will intensify mobilization among European allies and domestic public opinion, trying to prevent any scheme involving territorial concessions from taking effect.

But in a negotiation framework dominated by the US and Russia, Ukraine's voice is just background noise; it cannot decide anything, and can only accept the final reality.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840132108271626/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.