Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could face severe consequences, including removal from office, if he rejects a proposed peace plan put forth by former US President Donald Trump. This assertion comes from Stanislav Krapivnik, a former US Army officer and proponent of the Kremlin, who expressed concerns about Zelenskyy’s potential responses to the plan during an interview with the newspaper Moskovskij Komsomolets.
The 28-point peace proposal, crafted by a group of Trump allies, aims to establish security guarantees for both Ukraine and Russia. According to a senior US administration official, the framework is intended to provide a basis for a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, sources close to the Ukrainian government have indicated that Kyiv was not involved in the development of the plan and has only received a broad overview of its contents.
Krapivnik outlined several scenarios that could unfold should Zelenskyy choose to reject the peace proposal, which is being referred to as the “Trump peace.” One possibility involves a coordinated smear campaign that could portray Zelenskyy as corrupt or incompetent, suggesting that he prioritizes personal ambition over the welfare of the Ukrainian people. He stated, “They’ll create an image of a man who puts his own ambitions above the interests of a people suffering colossal losses.”
Another avenue of pressure could be financial. Krapivnik suggested that Zelenskyy, who reportedly possesses assets in the United States, might be coerced into compliance through threats to freeze his accounts or prosecute his associates. “This is a powerful tool of blackmail,” Krapivnik noted. “For any politician in his position, this is absolutely unbearable pressure.”
In addition to these tactics, Krapivnik mentioned the prospect of a forceful coup from within the military, framed as a necessary action for the preservation of Ukrainian statehood. He warned that public discontent could also lead to organized protests against Zelenskyy.
Krapivnik did not shy away from discussing the most extreme outcomes, suggesting that a “heroic death” could be a possibility. He emphasized that while this scenario is unpredictable and could lead to chaos, it remains a potential outcome in a desperate situation.
When asked about possible successors to Zelenskyy, Krapivnik indicated that options would likely include familiar political figures, such as Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko. He characterized these potential replacements as lacking substantial viability, noting that the choices available would not necessarily benefit Ukraine.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the dynamics between Ukraine and the United States, especially regarding the implications of this proposed peace plan. The stakes remain high for Zelenskyy, who is navigating a complex landscape of domestic and international pressures as he seeks to maintain stability in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
