In a move that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump allegedly used a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to float a radical proposal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The plan, which critics say reads like a victory manifesto for the Kremlin, was revealed by sources to The Independent.
The Proposed Deal: Concessions for Gas
The cornerstone of Trump's reported proposal is a grand bargain where Western nations would effectively recognise Russia's territorial gains in Ukraine's Donbas and Crimea. In exchange, Moscow would resume pumping natural gas to a Europe still grappling with an energy crisis exacerbated by the war.
According to the sources, the plan would involve the United States and the United Kingdom acting as primary brokers to pressure Ukraine into accepting these terms. The lifting of sanctions on Russia would be a key part of the agreement, a move that would provide a massive economic boost to Vladimir Putin's regime.
A Chilling Echo of Trump's Past Putin Praise
This alleged proposal aligns with Trump's long-standing sympathetic stance towards the Russian leader. He has frequently praised Putin's strategic genius, even after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. During his presidency, Trump often questioned the value of NATO and seemed to favour a recalibration of alliances that would be more favourable to Moscow.
The reported UN meeting plan suggests a continuation of this worldview, prioritising a swift end to the conflict—even on terms largely dictated by the aggressor—over the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that have underpinned the Western response.
European Energy Security Hangs in the Balance
The mention of restoring Russian gas flows touches a raw nerve in Europe. While the continent has made significant strides in weaning itself off Russian energy, the transition has been costly and fraught with challenges. The prospect of cheap gas returning could be politically tempting for some European leaders facing economic pressure at home, making Trump's proposal a potentially disruptive idea.
However, energy experts and diplomats warn that any deal linking energy security to territorial concessions would create a dangerous precedent, effectively rewarding aggression and making Europe's energy supply a geopolitical bargaining chip for future conflicts.
Reactions and Implications
While the Trump campaign has not officially confirmed the details of the proposal, the mere report of it is likely to cause significant concern among Ukraine's allies. It underscores the profound shift in US foreign policy that could occur if Trump were to win the next presidential election.
For Ukraine, the message is stark: its fate could be negotiated away in a backroom deal focused more on energy prices and great-power politics than on its survival as a sovereign nation. The proposal serves as a reminder that the future of the war may depend as much on political winds in Washington and London as on the battlefield.
