'Prepare for turbulence with mixed proposals': military expert Zgurets on Trump’s war settlement plan

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"I think the Trump administration doesn't have a clear plan for resolving the war, meaning no pressure on Russia or a well-structured plan. There will be more rounds of consultations, agreements, and attempts to influence Russia, but no significant changes can be expected in the near future," said Zgurets.

The director of the Defense Express media and consulting company noted that there are currently two extremes in the Trump administration: either we put pressure on Russia through sanctions by restricting the financial sector and providing assistance to Ukraine, or we put pressure on Ukraine and, if it does not agree, we limit the supply of military aid. In this way, we create conditions for putting pressure on the Ukrainian side to recognize the reality that exists on the battlefield, that is, that what is captured will be held in an uncertain status for a certain time.

"Of course, the topic of peacekeepers arises, but it feels like it's already post-factum, when it's acknowledged that some territory will be occupied, and peacekeepers from European countries will need to be deployed along the line of demarcation. However, I would prefer that European partners be strong allies not in the format of searching for peacekeepers to stand on the line of demarcation, but in a more active role in helping Ukraine at this stage," Zgurets noted.

The military expert also added that Europe will now look back at how Trump will behave.

"But they understand that the complete disregard for territorial integrity, the lack of security guarantees for Ukraine, and other factors that undermine the global order are threats to Europe today and even more so tomorrow. I must state that Trump does not have a clear plan. Now, we should expect a period of turbulence with various proposals on how to resolve this. Our main goal is to secure our own interests. It's not easy, but I hope we will succeed," Zgurets emphasized.

• Donald Trump has threatened Russian dictator Vladimir Putin with sanctions if he refuses to negotiate on Ukraine.
• U.S. President Donald Trump tasked Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, with ending the war in 100 days.