Currently, Ukraine and Russia are escalating tensions to gain a greater advantage on the front before Donald Trump takes office as President of the United States.
According to The Washington Post, the politician has promised to quickly end the war in Ukraine, and his chosen vice president, JD Vance, suggested that an agreement between the countries might involve the establishment of a "demilitarized zone." Meanwhile, European supporters of Ukraine are showing signs of fatigue.
Journalists warn that it is dangerous for Trump to agree to a poor deal in his haste to end the war as soon as possible:
"A ceasefire that ratifies the effective dismemberment of Ukraine and leaves Ukrainians disillusioned and betrayed by their Western allies would reward Putin's aggression and encourage him to commit further acts of aggression."
Another danger is that a Western withdrawal from Ukraine or an agreement resulting in unacceptable territorial losses would signal to other dictators that Western resolve has a "sell-by date."
"A Ukraine left with a portion of its eastern territory under Russian occupation would be tantamount to defeat—for both Ukraine and the West. During his presidential campaign, Mr. Trump frequently criticized the hasty and poorly planned withdrawal of Biden's administration from Afghanistan, which, according to Trump, showcased American weakness to the world. A retreat from Ukraine after nearly three years of a united American and European front would send a similar signal," the article states.
Trump's Plan
The newly elected American president has not disclosed the details of his "peace plan," but reports in Western media indicate that he may allow for territorial concessions from the Ukrainians.
Kiev advocates for a just peace and insists that it will never abandon its territories.