Will Trump’s ‘Rapid End’ Formula Rewrite the Ukraine War—or Trigger a New Cold War?

Washington: US President Donald Trump's team is secretly drafting a 28-point plan with Russia to end the Ukraine war. According to the report, this draft imposes huge concessions on Ukraine. This includes handing over the Donbass area to Russia, halving the size of the army, and stopping the further expansion of NATO. In return the US will provide security guarantees. Ukraine was informed about the plan but was not included in the drafting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will talk to Trump soon. 

Donbass army halved, NATO to stop, Russia to return to G8?

The plan is divided into four categories, which include peace in Ukraine, security guarantees, security of Europe, and US-Russia-Ukraine future relations. It has been told in the report that Donbass (Eastern Ukraine) can be handed over to Russia, Ukraine's army size can be halved, and NATO expansion can be frozen. In return, $100 billion would be for Ukraine reconstruction from frozen Russian assets and Russia's re-entry into the global economy (sanctions lifted, return to G8). Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev said that this time our position is being heard. The deal may be successful. But silence on Russian-occupied areas.  

Now what will change with the secret deal?

Putin-Trump talks at the Alaska summit remained inconclusive. Now this plan was discussed by Steve Witkoff (US Special Envoy) and Dmitriev for 3 days in Miami. Witkoff spoke with Ukrainian NSA Rustam Umerov. Zelensky said that creative and honest action will be taken. But Ukraine's stand is just peace without our consent. Will this formula to 'out' Hamas, like the Gaza plan, work on Ukraine?

Why not put pressure on Russia?

This time European countries are cautious. France said no peace surrender. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kalas says, "Why not the same conditions on Russia?" The plan is one-sided on Ukraine and a relief to Russia. Trump's pressure is increasing due to the Russian advance in Ukraine (towards Pokrovsk) and the corruption scandal (resignation of 2 ministers). 

How will Trump's plan affect Europe?

European leaders are scared, and NATO members feel that Trump will give more leeway to Russia. The plan would 'freeze' Ukraine, and Russia's occupation would be recognized. Zelensky says there will be no deal without consent. But Trump's focus is on 'rapid end'—WW3 ending in 2026? Or a new cold war?