Amid mounting pressure from the international community to end the war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated intentions regarding a peaceful resolution between Russia and Ukraine have sparked intense debate. However, behind these diplomatic efforts lie complex negotiations that may carry either farcical or even dangerous implications for Ukraine.
Trump and the “Peace Deal”: Behind the Scenes
President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his goal of brokering a peace agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. He has announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “at some point.” Yet, this statement comes alongside a series of events raising concerns about the true intentions of the U.S. administration.
State Department representative Temmi Bruce stressed that no progress is possible while bloodshed continues in Ukraine. “This isn’t a conflict that can drag on for another six months or a year. It’s a slaughterhouse, and we see that constant shooting and killing make any results impossible,” she said.
Despite this, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff already met in St. Petersburg with Kremlin-connected Kirill Dmitriev, who is under U.S. sanctions due to his ties with the Russian government. This move drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who accused Witkoff of violating security protocols. “Witkoff should step down, and Marco Rubio should take his place,” wrote Republican Eric Levin in a letter addressed to colleagues.
“Russia Must Act”: Trump on Ukraine’s Tragedy
In recent comments, Trump criticized Moscow for its sluggishness in resolving the conflict. “Hundreds of people are dying every week in this war, which is horrific and senseless. Russia must act,” the U.S. president declared.
However, according to Reuters, Witkoff conveyed Russia’s position to Trump, which demands full control over the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions as a condition to accelerate peace talks. This idea was firmly rejected by Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, who emphasized that Kyiv is willing to discuss compromise but will never unilaterally surrender territory.
Kellogg and the “Division of Ukraine”: Truth or Fake News?
One of the most controversial stories came from The Times, which reported that Kellogg proposed dividing Ukraine into zones of influence, similar to post-World War II Berlin. The document analyzed by journalists mentioned the possibility of creating an 18-mile buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces, along with deploying British and French troops in western Ukraine.
General Kellogg quickly refuted the report. “What I discussed involved areas of responsibility for allied forces, not the division of Ukraine. I never spoke about splitting the country,” he clarified in his official response.
Europe and the “Guarantee Mission”
Amid these discussions, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the importance of European support for Ukraine. “We will ensure that Ukraine continues to receive military aid in the future. Russia must understand that Ukraine is capable of continuing the fight, and we will back it,” Pistorius stated during a press conference after the Ramstein coalition meeting.
He also explained the absence of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the meeting, noting it was due to scheduling conflicts rather than priorities. Hegseth, according to Pistorius, actively participates in the process and provides accurate assessments of Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine.
Why Peace in 2024 Still Seems Unattainable
Despite numerous attempts to find a diplomatic solution, experts remain skeptical about the possibility of a quick end to the war. Representatives of the Ukrainian government and international observers emphasize that Moscow seeks not just a ceasefire but control over significant territories, rendering any intentions for genuine peace futile.
Kremlin leadership, through Dmitriev, demanded that Western partners lift sanctions on Russia’s civilian aviation sector as a precondition for talks. However, such demands appear unrealistic given the current state of international relations.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Ukraine?
As the world waits for concrete steps from Trump and his team, it becomes clear that any peace process requires not only diplomatic agreements but also Russia’s acknowledgment of its crimes against Ukraine. Without this, any negotiations risk becoming a mechanism to legitimize occupation rather than a path to true reconciliation.