Trump Plan Reportedly Included Implicit Recognition of Russian Control Over Crimea, Donbas
WASHINGTON – A previously undisclosed element of a proposed peace plan spearheaded by former U.S. President Donald Trump would have signaled acceptance of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its control over parts of eastern Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The plan, developed in collaboration with Russian presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev, suggests a potential shift in U.S. policy toward the conflict, raising concerns about its impact on ukraine’s sovereignty and international law.
The proposal, a 28-point document, surfaced last week and outlines potential pathways to end the war. While Ukraine would not have been compelled to formally cede territory,point 21 stipulated that Crimea,along with the Luhansk and Donetsk regions,would be “factually” recognized as part of Russia should an agreement be reached. This implicit acceptance of Russia’s territorial gains, even without de jure legal recognition, represents a significant departure from the Biden administration’s firm stance against acknowledging Russian control over Ukrainian land.
According to a source with knowledge of the discussions, the Trump plan underwent revisions during negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva. Despite these changes, multiple sources cited by The Telegraph indicate that the core concept of acknowledging Russia’s control over occupied territories remains a component of the strategy being considered by some within the Biden administration.
the ambiguity surrounding the term “factual recognition” is noteworthy, as international law recognizes only formal, de jure recognition of statehood.The plan did not elaborate on the practical implications of this ”factual” acceptance.
The emergence of the plan coincides with renewed calls for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, notably as Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that the legal recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as Russian territory is a key prerequisite for any peace talks.
On 2024/11/27, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning any attempts to legitimize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territories, explicitly stating that EU member states will not recognize Crimea or Donbas as part of Russia. The resolution also criticized the Trump plan, asserting that it hinders the prospects for a genuine resolution between Ukraine and Russia.
