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Trump Advisor Suggests British Military Role in Post-Conflict Ukraine Scenario
A prominent advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that British armed forces could play a role in ensuring security in a post-war Ukraine, potentially mirroring the division of Berlin following World War II. This concept, floated by a key figure close to the former administration, suggests a partitioned future for the nation amidst ongoing conflict.
Echoes of Post-WWII Berlin in Proposed Ukraine Plan
Following the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, Berlin was divided into four sectors, each administered by the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Each power established its zone of control, governing its respective portion of the city.
According to reports, General Keith Kellogg, an influential advisor who recently visited Kyiv for discussions with President Zelensky, indicated that UK and French military personnel could undertake a comparable mission in contemporary Ukraine, drawing parallels to the post-Second World War arrangement in Berlin. This concept envisions an international presence to stabilize the region after hostilities cease.
However, sources indicate this strategy would likely entail conceding approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory in the east of the country to Russian control under Vladimir Putin. The proposal acknowledges potential territorial concessions as part of a broader peace agreement.
Details of Potential Peacekeeping Force
Gen. Kellogg, aged 80, stated his belief that an Anglo-French peacekeeping deployment in Ukraine, implemented after a potential peace accord with the Kremlin, would not be viewed as “provocative” by President Putin. He suggests a collaborative international presence could be a stabilizing factor in the region.
Geographical Outline of Proposed Plan
Visual representations depict a scenario where British and French ground troops would support Ukrainian forces west of the Dnipro River, a major waterway bisecting Ukraine from north to south. Furthermore, the plan includes the establishment of an 18-mile-wide demilitarized zone, reminiscent of the Korean peninsula, to separate any Russian-controlled territory from Ukrainian territory under French and British oversight. This buffer zone is intended to prevent renewed conflict.
Ukrainian Operational Control
East of Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, only Ukrainian military units would be authorized to operate, according to Gen. Kellogg’s framework. These forces would maintain control over eastern regions of the country, including areas surrounding Sumy and Kharkiv, which are currently not under Russian occupation. This arrangement seeks to delineate zones of responsibility.
Territorial Implications for Russia
Under this proposed division, Moscow would retain control over all land in Ukraine’s far east, in addition to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. This territorial outcome represents a significant alteration of Ukraine’s pre-conflict boundaries.
European Allies Pledge Further Financial Aid to Ukraine
Simultaneously, European nations collectively pledged billions more in financial assistance on Friday to bolster Ukraine’s ongoing resistance against Russia’s invasion. This renewed financial commitment underscores international support for Ukraine.
U.S. Envoy Pursues Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Conflict
This infusion of funds coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts by a U.S. envoy, who undertook a mission to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore avenues for peace. These diplomatic overtures occur amid growing uncertainty regarding the Kremlin’s genuine commitment to ending the protracted conflict, which has now exceeded three years. Diplomatic initiatives seek to foster de-escalation.
U.S.-Russia Talks in St. Petersburg
Sources within the Kremlin confirmed that Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, engaged in discussions with Mr. Putin in St. Petersburg. Prior to meeting with the Russian President, Mr. Witkoff, who has been actively advocating for a truce, initially conferred with Mr. Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, as shown in footage released by Russian media outlets. Direct engagement between envoys signals continued dialogue.
White House Confirms Negotiating Process
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that Mr. Witkoff’s visit to Russia was focused on discussing initiatives to bring an end to the war with relevant officials. The U.S. administration characterizes these interactions as part of a broader strategy.
Ms. Leavitt asserted: “This is a further step in the negotiation process aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately a comprehensive peace agreement.” These discussions are portrayed as integral to a phased approach toward conflict resolution.