Trump's team considering ‘three major’ options for potential resolution of Russia-Ukraine conflict: US media report

Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, has been weighing several proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in recent days, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. While the specifics of the strategy are still being worked out, Trump's officials may push for a ceasefire sooner rather than later to temporarily freeze the conflict while the two sides negotiate. The first is a proposal by Kellogg, Russia's choice for special envoy to Ukraine, that continued military assistance to Ukraine be contingent on Kiev's participation in peace talks with Russia, as well as a ‘U.S. policy of seeking a cease-fire and negotiated resolution of the conflict.’ At the same time, Ukraine's desire to join NATO would be ‘put on hold’ for a longer period of time in order to engage Russia in negotiations. The second option is a proposal backed by former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Rick Grenell. Grenell has previously expressed support for the creation of an ‘autonomous region’ within Ukraine, although he did not explain in detail what this would look like. Another idea is to allow Russia to keep the areas it currently controls in exchange for Ukraine joining NATO, though few in Trump's circle seem willing to invite Ukraine to join NATO anytime soon.