US President-elect Donald Trump has shifted his timeline for ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now targeting a resolution within the first 100 days of his presidency.
This new timeframe comes despite his earlier commitment during his campaign to end the war within “24 hours” of taking office.
Trump’s statement was shared by Keith Kellogg, his chosen special Ukraine peace envoy, during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday.
Kellogg emphasized that Trump believes the conflict can be resolved soon after his inauguration on January 20.
Trump’s Willingness to Work with Both Sides
Kellogg clarified that Trump’s approach isn’t about appeasing Russian President Vladimir Putin but is focused on securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and a fair resolution.
He expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to negotiate peace by working directly with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“The goal is to find an equitable solution that benefits both sides,” Kellogg added.
While Trump has not yet discussed the specifics of any peace agreement, the aim is to find a solution in a “near-term” window, with the 100-day goal in mind.
Trump’s Strategy and Possible Peace Proposals
Despite his shift in timeline, Trump’s campaign promises to end the war remain part of his broader plan for peace.
After the election, Trump had a conversation with Zelensky, which the Ukrainian leader described as “excellent.”
In September, Trump’s running mate JD Vance suggested that a potential peace agreement could involve a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine, effectively freezing the conflict and preventing further Russian advances.
According to Vance, Ukraine would maintain its sovereignty but agree to remain neutral, while NATO would not include Ukraine in its alliance.
Potential Peace Deals and NATO Exclusion
After the election, reports surfaced about possible peace proposals under Trump’s administration, citing sources familiar with the plans.
One report suggested that Trump’s transition team is considering a proposal that would keep Ukraine out of NATO for at least 20 years, in exchange for arms deals.
The proposal also includes the establishment of a large demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the Russian border, which would require Ukraine to cede some territory.
However, the logistics and international cooperation needed to manage such a DMZ, particularly the absence of American peacekeepers, remain unclear.
Obstacles and Opposition to Trump’s Peace Plan
Despite these ambitious plans, Trump’s peace proposals face significant obstacles.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not make concessions to Russia, calling any such agreement “unacceptable” and “suicidal for Europe.”
Furthermore, European allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, have pledged continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces, making the potential for a quick resolution difficult.
In Conclusion: The Road to Peace Remains Uncertain
While Trump is optimistic about his ability to broker peace within his first 100 days, the path to resolving the Russia-Ukraine war is filled with diplomatic challenges.
The various stakeholders, including Ukraine and its European allies, must agree to any terms proposed, and there are many complex factors that need to be addressed before peace can be achieved.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether Trump’s approach can lead to a lasting resolution.