Donald Trump has yet to present a formal plan for how he plans to end the Russian-led war against Ukraine. But during the election campaign he announced that he could end the war "within 24 hours". According to insider information, his team is currently discussing the issue.
As the "Wall Street Journal" wrote, citing three sources close to Trump, the plan called for Kiev to assure that it would not join NATO for at least 20 years. In response, Washington would continue to supply weapons to Ukraine to deter Russia from further attacks.
According to the American edition, all proposals are related to "freezing" of the war, which would mean the occupation of 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. According to its sources, "The Telegraph" wrote that as part of his plan, Trump could ask European and British units to establish a buffer zone 1,300 km long between the armies of Russia and Ukraine.
"Ukrainians as cannon fodder"
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, they do not rule out the possibility that unacceptable scenarios will be imposed on the country after Trump takes office. After the "war freeze" could lead to a "creeping occupation" of Ukraine from Russia.
"It's funny to read optimistic delusions about how Trump will put Russia in its place, deliver weapons and end the war," wrote a user on the X platform. "I feel that with his victory we have lost everything. His method is a deal with the aggressor - with a terrorist, mass murderer and war criminal."
Facebook users also show misunderstanding. "The crucial thing that someone either doesn't want to understand, or pretends not to understand, is that Putin doesn't want Ukraine out of brotherly love or anything like that, but as cannon fodder and manpower for an attack on the European bastion."
"Trump will say he "fixed" everything. He will stop financial aid to Ukraine and then say that all further responsibility lies with Europe. "Because after all, Ukraine is part of Europe," fears Ukrainian journalist Andrii Herasim.
And according to Ukrainian military expert Alexei Kopytko: "The best option for us is for Europe to come to its senses and start adequately financing its defense". Or in other words: Europe should support Ukraine financially because of its high "blood tax" and because it ultimately stops Russia, Kopitko points out.
"With calculator in hand"
"For some in the West, the best way out is getting rid of the problems at the expense of Ukraine," says former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Orishko. "Trump cynics would encourage this option because it is the easiest. But we have to turn that ideology around and say to Trump: Look, we're offering you things that are in your favor. You will earn tens and hundreds of billions of dollars by strengthening Ukraine."
According to Orishko, Ukraine should take the initiative even before Trump takes office "with calculator in hand" to explain to him what it is about - that more aid to Ukraine will also mean more money for the US based on arms contracts, Orishko emphasizes.
Political analyst Igor Reiterovich from Taras Shevchenko University in Kiev suggests that Trump will still contribute to the end of the war - and on fair terms. "Two-thirds of his voters support Ukraine in the war against Russia. If Trump makes concessions to Russia, it will be viewed very negatively, including by his fellow party members."
Trump talks about a "Great America", which means restoring the geopolitical influence of the US and its respective role in today's world, the political scientist adds. According to him, Trump's vanity could be beneficial for Ukraine. At the same time, however, Reiterovich does not rule out the possibility that Trump's team is deliberately spreading contradictory statements and different scenarios to test the reactions of Europe, Russia and Ukraine regarding possible proposals to end the war.
"We have various future options, and any scenario can change at any moment. The only thing they have in common is that Trump absolutely wants to end the war. It's clear that there has to be a compromise, but it's not clear how far it should go,' says Reiterovic.
Is there a willingness to negotiate
At the same time, due to the deterioration of the situation at the front and dwindling resources, many Ukrainians are gradually changing their opinion regarding the negotiations with Russia. This is confirmed by polls conducted in September: a year ago, only 21 percent of those surveyed maintained negotiations with Russia, and now their share is already 35 percent. And yet: a relative majority of 48 percent is against negotiations.