Key takeaways:
- Mary Trump blasts her uncle’s peace proposal as harmful to Ukraine.
- She says Trump set a deadline and threatened to cut U.S. intelligence.
- The peace proposal would force Ukraine to give up Donbas, Crimea, and more.
- Mary warns Ukraine’s fight is for democracy’s future, not just land.
- She calls for harsh terms: Russia must return land, pay damages, and free children
Mary Trump, President Trump’s niece, has become one of his fiercest critics. In a recent Substack essay, she calls the peace proposal dangerous for Ukraine and global democracy. She argues that Donald Trump bowed to Vladimir Putin’s wishes when he crafted the plan. Therefore, she finds its terms unacceptable and unfair. Mary points out that Trump praised Putin for decades. Thus, she sees Putin’s influence behind the peace proposal.
Trump’s Push for the Peace Proposal
First, Trump pressured Ukraine to agree by a clear deadline. He demanded Ukraine accept the peace proposal by November 27. Then he threatened to withdraw U.S. intelligence support if Ukraine delayed. This type of pressure is rare in U.S. foreign policy. Usually, America stands firmly by its allies. Furthermore, Mary highlights how Trump’s admiration for Putin shaped this plan. She writes that Trump sees Putin as a strong leader. As a result, Trump was willing to weaken Ukraine to please Putin.
How the Proposal Hurts Ukraine
The peace proposal asks Ukraine to surrender key regions it now controls. Specifically, it would force Ukraine to give up Donbas and Crimea. These areas are vital for Ukraine’s safety and economy. Also, the plan limits Ukraine’s military size and weapons. It even restricts its use of long-range arms. Consequently, Ukraine would struggle to defend itself in the future. Mary argues this plan is almost as if Putin wrote it himself. Indeed, it leaves Ukraine exposed to more aggression.
Ukraine’s Fight for Democracy
Mary Trump reminds us that Ukraine is not just fighting for land. Ukraine is also fighting for the future of Western liberal democracy. The war began with Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022. Therefore, how the war ends matters as much as how it began. If democracy weakens in Ukraine, it could falter elsewhere. Moreover, millions of Ukrainians risk their lives every day for freedom. Thus, any peace proposal must honor their sacrifice. It must protect democracy, not reward the invader.
Mary Trump’s Vision for a Fair Peace
In contrast to the peace proposal, Mary offers a stronger plan for justice. She states that Russia should get nothing in peace talks. Instead, Russia must return every stolen square foot of land. It should also give back all stolen resources. Next, Russia should pay Ukraine for every damage done. Mary demands the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. Sadly, Russia cannot bring back those who lost their lives. Still, full accountability can bring some measure of justice to victims’ families.
Global Democracy Depends on Justice
Mary warns that global democracy stands at a crossroads. If the world accepts unfair peace terms, authoritarian leaders gain hope. In the 1930s, appeasement of dictators led to more war. Therefore, the West must stand strong for Ukraine. Also, supporting Ukraine shows dictators that democracy defends its friends. On the other hand, a weak peace deal would signal that the West backs down. Consequently, dictators might pursue new invasions elsewhere. In this fight, Ukraine’s success is the world’s success.
What Happens Next?
It remains unclear if President Trump will continue to push his peace proposal. So far, Ukraine’s leaders have rejected any deal that sacrifices vital land. Many European allies and the United States Congress back Ukraine’s right to full sovereignty. This united front may force Russia to negotiate fair terms. Moreover, public opinion in democracies around the world largely supports Ukraine. However, if any peace plan drops hard requirements, it risks failing. Ultimately, the future of Ukraine—and global democracy—depends on strong, just terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the peace proposal Mary Trump criticizes?
Mary Trump’s essay targets a proposal that would make Ukraine give up Donbas, Crimea, and other territories. It also limits Ukraine’s military power and cuts long-range weapons.
Why does Mary Trump say the peace proposal favors Putin?
She believes Trump admires Putin and borrowed his ideas. The terms leave Ukraine weaker and make Russia stronger, which fits Putin’s goals.
What stronger peace terms does Mary Trump suggest?
She says Russia must return all stolen land and resources, pay for damages, and free kidnapped children. She insists Russia should receive no concessions.
How does this conflict relate to global democracy?
Ukraine’s fight defends Western liberal democracy. If the West allows unfair peace deals, it could encourage more authoritarian aggression around the world.