Former NATO commander James Stavridis has outlined a possible end to the Ukraine war, predicting that Russian President Vladimir Putin may retain control over 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Reminiscent of Korean War’s Conclusion
Speaking on CNN’s Smerconish show, Stavridis suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could put pressure on both sides to negotiate, but added that a peace deal would likely take months to finalize.
Stavridis proposed a scenario reminiscent of the Korean War’s conclusion. He envisions a ceasefire in which Putin holds onto about 20% of Ukraine — mainly the regions currently under Russian control, according to Ziare.
In exchange, Ukraine would receive security guarantees and a pathway toward NATO membership within the next three to five years.
Stavridis emphasized that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership would be “a realistic outcome,” providing security for the remaining 80% of Ukraine, which would stay democratic and independent.
Though the solution would be unpopular with both sides, Stavridis noted, it would represent a compromise necessary for peace.
Demilitarized Zone Separating Russia and Ukraine
Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war “within 24 hours” if he were at the negotiation table with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has not shared specific details of his peace plan.
Stavridis expressed support for Trump’s efforts to push for peace, even joking that he would “nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize” if he succeeded.
Stavridis clarified that a peace settlement isn’t something the U.S. can unilaterally enforce. He expects the process of brokering a ceasefire and creating a formal peace agreement to take months.
He added that even if Ukraine’s path to NATO is eventually secured, the accession could still take a few years.
Ukraine has long aimed to join NATO, though Zelensky has acknowledged that membership is unlikely until after the conflict ends.
The former commander also suggested that Ukraine might pursue European Union membership, with the EU investing billions to support Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression since the war began in February 2022.
As part of a potential peace plan, Stavridis sees a demilitarized zone separating Russian and Ukrainian forces, with NATO peacekeepers—likely European rather than American—overseeing the area, similar to the arrangement in Korea.
Both sides would face losses in such a deal, he noted. "Putin would hate losing Ukraine to the EU and NATO, and Ukrainians would resent Russian control over parts of their land. But negotiation is the only path to end this conflict,” Stavridis remarked.
