Former US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Ukraine should cede Crimea and parts of the Donbas region to Russia as part of a secret peace deal, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposal, allegedly made during private conversations, would have involved Ukraine relinquishing territories occupied by Russia since 2014 in exchange for an end to hostilities. Critics argue such a move would legitimise Russian aggression and undermine international law.
Behind Closed Doors
Insiders claim Trump floated the idea to European officials, asserting that Ukrainian concessions could expedite a resolution to the conflict. However, the plan was never formally presented to Kyiv, as advisers warned it would be politically untenable.
Global Reactions
European leaders reportedly rejected the proposal, fearing it would set a dangerous precedent for territorial disputes worldwide. A senior EU diplomat stated, "Rewarding invasion with land deals is not a sustainable path to peace."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have reiterated their stance against any territorial compromises. President Zelensky's administration maintains that Crimea and Donbas are sovereign Ukrainian territories under illegal occupation.
Trump's Controversial Stance
This revelation aligns with Trump's longstanding admiration for Putin and his scepticism towards NATO. During his presidency, he repeatedly questioned the alliance's collective defence principles while praising the Russian leader's strategic acumen.
Political analysts suggest such a peace plan, if implemented, could have dramatically altered Europe's security landscape, potentially encouraging further Russian expansionism in former Soviet states.
