“Trojan Horse”: Europe Sees Risks in Trump’s Peace Plan for Ukraine

European leaders have expressed concern about the US proposal to create a demilitarized zone in Donbas, fearing that the Kremlin could use it for hybrid actions, which would undermine security guarantees for Ukraine and the stability of the region.

This is reported by Bloomberg .

European diplomats note that almost four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the issue of territorial control remains a key issue in negotiations between the United States, Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin insists on the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, while Kyiv categorically rejects any territorial concessions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the United States has discussed the idea of creating a “free economic zone” in Donbas with a special administration, while Russia is promoting the option of a “demilitarized zone.” Zelensky also admitted the possibility of holding a referendum on territorial decisions.

“But Russia may take advantage of any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories controlled by Kyiv,” informed sources noted.

Experts fear that the demilitarized zone could become a “Trojan horse” that the Kremlin could use for hybrid attacks or to influence a public referendum and future elections.

On Monday, Zelensky plans to visit Berlin for consultations with European leaders on security guarantees. National security advisers from Ukraine, Europe and the United States will discuss drafts of possible plans before the meeting.

“So this is not just a technical point, but a fundamental issue – for Ukraine and for European security,” emphasized Peter Ricketts, former UK National Security Advisor.

Some of Ukraine’s allies say the status of the demilitarized zone and its patrols remain unclear. American negotiators have proposed special administration of the region, while Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions and insists on security guarantees similar to NATO’s collective defense mechanism.

“There is one question that I – and all Ukrainians – want to get an answer to. If Russia starts a war again, what will our partners do?” Zelensky asked.

By the way, the Russian dictator’s aide Yuri Ushakov has allowed the withdrawal of Russian occupation troops from Donbas and their replacement by the Russian Guard . He noted that this would be part of a “demilitarized zone” where Ukrainian and Russian troops would not remain.

It was previously reported thatUkraine is considering withdrawing troops from Donbas , but only if Russia takes a similar step. This approach involves preserving the territory for Ukraine and parallel negotiations on security guarantees.

The day before, it became known that Russia refused to accept the 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States , which included conditions for freezing the front line, control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and security guarantees for Ukraine. The Kremlin rejected seven key provisions, emphasizing its own demands for territories and the future security architecture.

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