Commentary: US allies need a plan for a lame-duck Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns over US proposals for a new European security order aimed at resolving Russia's war against Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Zelensky cautioned that such an approach could be complex and potentially hazardous for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for a discussion on ending the conflict, the provision of security guarantees, and the subsequent establishment of a new security architecture in Europe.

Ukraine is open to a ceasefire and de-escalation but has observed no signs of Russia withdrawing from its stance. Zelensky asserted that Russia's objective is not to engage in dialogue about concluding the war, but rather to initiate a new security structure in Europe, warning of the dangers associated with this approach.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been advocating for a "grand bargain," a peace plan that encompasses all of Europe and Russia. Trump's son-in-law and negotiator, Jared Kushner, recently detailed a security framework centered on communication, military transparency, and the reduction of escalation risks. Kushner had previously engaged with European partners, NATO, and the EU regarding potential security assurances for Ukraine.

Kushner's framework echoes the agreements from the 1975 Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act. However, these accords were reached after extensive negotiations and during peacetime, as opposed to the current circumstances of war.

Ukrainian and Russian representatives are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi next week under US mediation, followed by Trump's planned meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China. Trump has personally extended an invitation for Putin to attend the G20 summit in Florida.

Zelensky cautioned against any attempts by global powers to reach agreements at the expense of the EU, NATO, and Ukraine. He lamented the prospect of a "Yalta 2," referencing the 1945 Yalta conference, which saw the US, Soviet Union, and the UK dividing Germany and Europe into spheres of influence during the aftermath of World War II.