Two pieces of information have surfaced in recent days that, put together, indicate a certain type of coordination between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in the neighboring country.
The first emerged on March 27, when it was revealed that Washington sent a new proposal to Kiev regarding the „rare minerals extraction contract”.
The document has not been made public, but according to several press sources that have read the text, „the U.S. has revised its initial proposal, which does not offer Ukraine any future security guarantees, but asks Ukraine to contribute to a common investment fund with all revenues obtained from the use of natural resources managed by public and private enterprises on its territory,” reports Reuters.
If true, then Volodymyr Zelensky holds in his hands a proposal from Donald Trump that is even less acceptable than the first, asking Ukraine to pour, no more no less, all revenues generated from future mining operations into an investment fund controlled by Trump’s associates.
"The United States wants to create a five-person council to oversee the investment fund, consisting of three members proposed by Washington and two from Kiev, to divide the money obtained from mining, gas, and oil projects between the United States and Ukraine, according to an American proposal," states an article in "The Hill".
It is very hard to believe that Volodymyr Zelensky could accept such a "deal," as Trump calls it, without huge political costs, especially since the proposal is not accompanied by any security guarantees.
Trump seeks to control Zelensky
"I thought we had agreed on a framework agreement followed by a comprehensive agreement. Now, the United States proposes the immediate signing of a comprehensive agreement, which requires further review," was the first reaction of the Ukrainian president to the project coming from Trump.
From the start, the new American president's interest in Ukrainian rare metals, which are not present in the country to such an extent as to produce a major economic change in the global market, has shown more like an attempt to create a political lever to control Zelensky.
If the Ukrainian president rejects the agreement, he becomes an enemy of the United States, offering the new administration the opportunity to take action against Kiev. For example, halting the transfer of military equipment and strategic information, as happened for a brief period after the shocking bullying scene at the White House.
If he accepts the agreement, the immediate result would be a "political suicide" for Zelensky, being accused even by his closest supporters of selling Ukraine's resources and gaining nothing in return.
Donald Trump's proposal is designed to push Volodymyr Zelensky into a corner, with little political maneuvering room.
Decapitation of Ukraine
The second important piece of information was launched by Vladimir Putin, who, at a military event in Murmansk, Russia, announced, for the first time, his own concrete vision for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian president does not intend to withdraw his troops from the conquered territories, but calls for transforming Ukraine into a "critical zone" similar to East Timor, Papua New Guinea, or parts of former Yugoslavia - territories with power vacuums, marked by civil wars - and replacing Volodymyr Zelensky, with the country's control to be exercised by the UN, with the help of the US and possibly a few European states agreed upon by the Kremlin.
All this with the aim of "organizing democratic elections there, to establish a competent government in which people trust. And then to hold discussions with it on a peace treaty and to sign legitimate documents that are recognized worldwide and are reliable and stable," stated Vladimir Putin, cited by TASS.
The only way for Putin to stay in power
The two proposals, American and Russian, converge to a common point - the ousting of Volodymyr Zelensky from power, although he was democratically elected, being the leader who took on the defense of Ukraine, attacked by Russia.
Another observation arising from the analysis of the deadlock contract proposed by Trump and Putin's solution is that there is coordination between the White House and the Kremlin, and in the peace negotiations and phone calls between the two leaders, they are more likely discussing a common plan to change, in one way or another, the democratic leadership of Ukraine rather than concrete solutions for ending the conflict and at least partially withdrawing Russia from the occupied territories.
The alliance between Europe and the United Kingdom will have a say in this matter, however, the first step is expected to be taken by Zelensky, alongside Ukrainians.
The coordination between Trump and Putin is quite evident, and their mode of action makes them vulnerable.
The American president's efforts to meet Russia's demands create tensions within the White House administration and the US Congress, while Putin shows impatience for the first time regarding the end of the conflict.
The message from the Kremlin leader is clearer than ever since the beginning of the war.
Simplifying, Putin says he agrees to end the war if he keeps the conquered territories and Zelensky leaves power.
Looking at the entire context from his perspective, it is the only way the Russian president can announce the victory of his failed military campaign and have a way to remain in power.
It is clear that we are facing a strategy discussed by Trump and Putin, but it is difficult to say how much it can be realized now.
From such a political, economic, and military plan that the two seek to impose practically on the entire world, to its realization, there is a long road full of obstacles and unforeseen situations.