Tue Nov 26 09:32:06 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Braces for Trump Presidency Amidst Vague Peace Plan Concerns

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukraine’s military and government are expressing deep concern over US President-elect Donald Trump’s vague peace plan for the ongoing conflict with Russia, fearing it could involve territorial concessions and a halt to crucial military aid. A top military analyst, Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, stated that Ukraine’s armed forces are preparing for a worst-case scenario involving the complete cessation of US supplies.

Trump’s plan, which he claims could resolve the war in “24 hours,” lacks detail, but observers suggest it may involve ceding Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories – nearly 19% of the country – in exchange for a peace agreement. While Trump has also mentioned escalating military aid to Kyiv if Moscow refuses talks, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical of his commitment. One presidential advisor described Trump as unpredictable, highlighting the difficulty in anticipating his actions.

Public opinion in Ukraine is shifting towards a peace deal, even at the cost of territorial losses, with a recent Gallup poll showing 52% favoring an immediate end to the war, regardless of concessions. This contrasts sharply with 73% support for fighting until victory in 2022.

The Ukrainian government is reportedly exploring various strategies to influence Trump, including leveraging potential “profit” opportunities for him – be it reputational, political, or economic – to ensure continued support, including the use of high-precision missiles. However, uncertainty remains, particularly regarding Trump’s key appointments, such as the US ambassador to Kyiv and special envoy for the conflict. The potential appointment of figures like Richard Grenell, who opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership, or Senator Marco Rubio, who previously voted against substantial military aid to Ukraine, further fuels anxieties.

Despite Russia’s relatively minor territorial gains since 2023, the potential for a significant shift in the conflict under a Trump presidency is causing considerable apprehension. Analysts point to several factors influencing the situation, including the possibility of Zelenskyy making concessions on occupied territories, including Crimea, and the potential need to ease pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church aligned with Moscow to secure broader international support. The unpredictable actions of Russian President Putin also pose a significant wildcard. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of the conflict under a Trump administration.

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