In the context of the plan for Ukraine, “Der Spiegel” estimates that “we can already see how Trump and his people have lost their way strategically.” He gives the example of “peculiar negotiations”, conducted outside the standard diplomatic procedure, between the envoy of the US president, Steve Witkoff, and the envoy of the Russian leader, Kirill Dmitriev.
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What are the divisions in Washington regarding Ukraine?
Who supports a quick peace agreement in Russia's favor?
What doubts does Senator Lindsey Graham have about the peace plan?
What comparison did Mitch McConnell use regarding Ukraine?
Currently, in Washington, “several main actors are arguing over the American position regarding the war in Ukraine,” the German weekly notes on its website.
“Der Spiegel” assigns US Vice President JD Vance to the first camp, who, together with Witkoff, supports a quick peace agreement in favor of Russia. He considers a “fantasy” a scenario in which Ukraine could win thanks to more money, weapons and further sanctions.
On the other side is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has spoken critically of Russia in the past and has shown greater understanding for Ukraine. He warned at the UN forum in September, referring to Russia, that it must bear the price for continuing the war – recalls “Der Spiegel”.
“And towering above them all is President Donald Trump with his rapidly changing moods and goal of winning the Nobel Peace Prize,” the weekly notes.
He calls the situation “confusing,” adding that the American president “can observe where there is clear opposition in his own camp.”
The loudest voice of opposition comes, according to “Spiegel”, from the Senate. Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who works closely with Trump, wrote that the peace plan contains good ideas, but many of its elements are “very problematic.” A peace agreement must end the war “in an honorable and just manner, not by creating a new conflict,” the South Carolina senator warned.
Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell compared the Ukraine plan to the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021 during Joe Biden's presidency, “Der Spiegel” notes. Trump has repeatedly sharply criticized his predecessor for the manner in which US troops left Afghanistan.
“Is there or is there an open conflict between Trump's special envoy Witkoff and the secretary of state? Is the US government behind the controversial peace plan or is it not?” – asks “Der Spiegel” rhetorically.
