During a briefing, Pentagon spokesperson Pet Ryder stated
that he would not speculate or offer hypothetical comments about the next
administration.
“We are very focused, as I’ve emphasized before, on the
current situation, and we often communicate with our Ukrainian colleagues to
ensure they have everything they need to defend against Russian aggression,” he
said.
Ryder noted that Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin has repeatedly
stressed that Ukraine’s security is important not only for Europe but also for
the U.S.
The spokesperson also mentioned the “strong bipartisan
support” for Ukraine, stating that the U.S. will continue to maintain close
communication with its allies and partners.
“We will remain focused on the current mission—to help
Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. But as to what may happen in
the future, I simply will not speculate or entertain hypotheses,” Ryder added.
Trump’s “Peace Plan” for Ukraine
Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war in
Ukraine within three, or even one, day if re-elected president, saying he could
achieve this before his official inauguration in January 2025.
On Nov. 6, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s
advisers have proposed various approaches that would effectively freeze the
front line in Ukraine. One option would block Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20
years.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the plan envisions
freezing the front line and establishing an 800-mile demilitarized zone (about
1,300 kilometers), with Russia keeping roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory it
has occupied.
On Nov. 7, the Office of the President of Ukraine voiced
doubts about the feasibility of such a plan.
The Economist reported that Ukrainian officials are basing
their views on two public versions of Trump’s proposed “peace plan.” Meanwhile,
The Telegraph noted that Trump’s plan might involve deploying European and
British forces in a 1,200-kilometer buffer zone between Russian and Ukrainian
forces.
Associated Press also reported that Trump plans to bring
Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table in the first days of his return to
the White House.