Ukraine's strategic play: Pivoting plans for the Trump era
Ukraine developed its "victory plan" with consideration for the incoming Trump administration, focusing on potential business deals, access to raw materials, and military deployment to appeal to the new U.S. president-elect, known for his transactional approach, writes "The Telegraph."
2:56 PM EST, November 12, 2024
Ukrainian and European sources claim that Western allies of Ukraine, including high-level Republican representatives, advised Kyiv to craft peace proposals effectively so that Trump would collaborate with Ukraine and continue to support it.
Could Ukrainian troops replace those stationed in Europe?
Under Trump, two key points were included in the "victory plan." The first concerns replacing some American troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian forces after the war concludes.
The second proposes sharing Ukraine's natural resources with Western partners. According to FT, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham managed this proposal. His office did not comment on these reports.
Proposals "interested" Trump
Zelensky presented the points to Trump during a September meeting in New York. A source from "FT" conveyed that Trump was "interested" in these proposals.
Ukraine began developing these points in the summer to impose its narrative before Trump imposed his, claims one source. The newspaper's interlocutor added that the level of dissatisfaction with the Biden administration was high enough that they felt it was time for change and that change might be something good.
Last week, Zelensky said he had an "excellent" phone conversation with Trump following his victory in the U.S. presidential elections. Kyiv and its allies fear the U.S. may cut military support after Trump takes office in January.
