"Some proposals might be unpleasant, but it will be difficult to refuse them" – political scientist on Trump's potential offers
Under Donald Trump, the U.S. will not merely seek compromises but will develop specific proposals, including a ceasefire along the front line, Ukrainian political scientist and director of the Penta Center for Political Studies, Volodymyr Fesenko, told OstroV in an interview.
"Most likely, Keith Kellogg (the U.S. Special Envoy on Ukraine and russia – ed.) will soon begin preparatory work. I don't know if he will immediately travel to moscow and Kyiv or if initial contacts will take place in Washington. I think Ukrainian representatives will establish contact with him. Currently, there are talks about a visit to the U.S. by Andriy Yermak, the Head of the President's Office. I believe Yermak will meet with the new representative, which is a significant step. Kellogg will begin his work and prepare for shuttle diplomacy missions to moscow and Kyiv, gathering proposals from both sides. Afterward, discussions on how to reconcile these proposals will follow", - Fesenko said.
According to him, Donald Trump might exert pressure on both Ukraine and russia.
"Most likely, the U.S. will not just search for compromises like the Chinese did but will develop concrete proposals, including a ceasefire along the front line. They may also discuss several other compromise points and push them forward. If Ukraine refuses to agree, pressure could come through a suspension of military aid.
If the russians refuse, the pressure may be reversed – increasing aid to Ukraine. Most likely, Trump’s team and his special representative for ending the war between russia and Ukraine will advocate for their own compromise position. This is significant, and I think the main challenges won’t come from Ukraine, as many assume. For instance, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claims we will be offered something entirely unacceptable. Yes, some proposals might be unpleasant, but it will be difficult to refuse them, especially if suggestions like a moratorium on NATO membership arise, although there are also completely opposite proposals being discussed", - Fesenko noted.