Why Ukraine Peace Plan May Spark Trump-Putin Ego Clash

Trump wants to be viewed as a master negotiator and deal maker. Putin believes he is among the world's dominant leaders, despite the failure of his military to subdue much smaller, weaker Ukraine and the collapse of Russia's economy. 

The clash could come as Trump insists Putin take a deal which would be less than complete victory and require some concessions, an outcome he is likely to feel inadequate despite his manifold problems. This clash is expected to escalate as the two dig in to protect their images. JL

Espreso Ukraine reports:

Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s special representative, has proposed a controversial plan to address Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. However, one key point could pit Trump and Putin’s egos against each other. Kellogg’s plan includes a ceasefire, a demilitarized zone, and easing sanctions for Moscow after a peace agreement. However, the most debated aspect is a proposal for Russia to fund Ukraine’s recovery through a levy on its energy exports.  "For Moscow, 'paying Ukraine' is like admitting defeat." Trump would likely view this as a favor to Putin, while Putin, believing he’s an equal, would resist. This could escalate, as both leaders are unlikely to back down. For Trump, refusal might feel like an affront to his negotiating prowess.

Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s special representative, has proposed a controversial plan to address Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. However, one key point could pit Trump and Putin’s egos against each other

Resurgam Telegram channel writes about it. 

Kellogg’s plan includes a ceasefire, a demilitarized zone, and easing sanctions for Moscow after a peace agreement. However, the most debated aspect is a proposal for Russia to fund Ukraine’s recovery through a levy on its energy exports.

This idea could cause friction between Trump and Putin. "For Moscow, 'paying Ukraine' is like admitting defeat," the post suggests. Putin’s ideology frames Ukraine as incapable of independence, making any reparations a blow to his narrative.

Meanwhile, Trump could see the levy as a “mutually beneficial deal” and expect Putin to accept it. Trump would likely view this as a favor to Putin, while Putin, believing he’s an equal, would resist being cornered, the text explains.

This ideological clash could escalate, as both leaders are unlikely to back down. For Putin, paying Ukraine would be "humiliation," while for Trump, refusal might feel like an affront to his negotiating prowess.

Ultimately, Kellogg's proposal highlights the cultural misunderstanding of "Russian thinking" by American analysts.