A new report reveals that President Donald Trumpβs plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war may be more about money than peace.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trumpβs top aides are negotiating with Russia to ensure U.S. businessesβand Trumpβs friendsβprofit heavily if the conflict ends.
Trumpβs 28-point plan, drafted by real estate mogul Steve Witkoff, borrowed heavily from a Russian proposal. The plan would have forced Ukraine to give up land and reduce its military power. Critics in Europe said it was far too generous to Russia. Americans were not impressed either, and many Republicans pushed back.
Europe offered its own peace plan to counter Trumpβs. The new version allows Ukraine to keep much of its territory and strengthen its military after a ceasefire. Negotiations are still ongoing, but it is clear that Trumpβs plan put profit over Ukraineβs safety.
Trumpβs administration defended the approach. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the Wall Street Journal: βThe Trump administration has gathered input from both the Ukrainians and Russians to formulate a peace deal that can stop the killing and bring this war to a close. As the President said, his national security team has made great progress over the past week, and the agreement will continue to be fine-tuned following conversations with officials from both sides.β
Despite these claims, critics point out that the dealβs benefits mainly flow to Trumpβs allies. Witkoff, working closely with Jared Kushner, reportedly coordinated with Russian officials to secure business deals for U.S. companies once the war ends. Trumpβs plan included access to $300 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets for investment projects, many of which could benefit his friends and donors.
Witkoff told the Journal: βIf we do all that, and everybodyβs prospering and theyβre all a part of it, and thereβs upside for everybody, thatβs going to naturally be a bulwark against future conflicts there. Because everybodyβs thriving.β The quote highlights how business interests appear central to the proposal, rather than Ukraineβs defense or long-term peace.
Trump megadonors and family friends are poised to gain. Gentry Beach, founder of America First Global and a college friend of Donald Trump Jr., is reportedly eyeing a stake in a Russian Arctic gas project. Stephen P. Lynch, another Trump donor, is working with Trump Jr. to purchase the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a key energy source for Europe.
These deals could drive a wedge between the U.S. and Europe. Russia could emerge as a major economic player in Europe while U.S. leaders profit financially, creating conflicts of interest that threaten American credibility abroad. The Wall Street Journal report paints a picture of a plan where economic gain for a few takes priority over peace and Ukraineβs sovereignty.
Trumpβs envoy, former Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, reportedly left the administration after being frozen out of the talks. Ukraineβs requests for defensive weapons, like Tomahawk missiles, were denied, while Trumpβs team promoted tariffs and business deals instead.
Featured image via Youtube screengrab
