Trump Says Zelenskyy Should Prepare to Make Deal to End Russia-Ukraine War
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Loading... - Aisha Hamid
- 17 Dec 2024
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In a recent statement at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, former President Donald Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be ready to negotiate a deal to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump emphasized the dire situation in Ukraine, stating that it would take a century to rebuild cities devastated by the Russian invasion and downplayed the significance of recapturing occupied territories.
Trump remarked, "He should be prepared to make a deal, that's all," referring to Zelenskyy. He expressed concern over the high number of casualties resulting from the conflict, stating, "Too many people being killed." His comments reflect a growing sentiment that a negotiated settlement may be necessary, even if it means conceding some territory to Russia.
He further criticized the notion of reclaiming lost land, saying, "It's nice to say they want their land back, but the cities are largely destroyed." Trump questioned the feasibility of a full military takeover, asking, "Take over what? That's a 110-year rebuild."
These remarks signal a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine should Trump return to the presidency. His statements suggest that U.S. aid for Ukraine could be sharply curtailed or even halted altogether. Trump reiterated his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office, and he criticized the Biden administration for allowing Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike deeper into Russian territory.
"I don't think they should have allowed missiles to be shot 200 miles into Russia," Trump stated, indicating his disapproval of the current administration's military strategy.
In response to Trump's comments, the Biden administration maintained that it is ultimately up to Zelenskyy to decide when and how to engage in negotiations. John Kirby, a spokesman for Biden's National Security Council, emphasized, "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. We're not going to have talks about them without them involved."
The administration had begun discussions about allowing the use of ATACMS prior to the election, citing the need to respond to North Korean troops being deployed on the battlefield.
Trump also briefly mentioned his recent meeting with Zelenskyy in Paris, noting that he did not invite the Ukrainian leader to his inauguration, despite extending invitations to other world leaders. "If he'd like to come, I'd like to have him. I didn't invite him, no," Trump said.
He characterized the war in Ukraine as "a nasty one," highlighting the significant loss of life on both sides. "If I were president, that war would have never happened," he asserted, reiterating his belief in his ability to have prevented the conflict.
Trump's comments regarding the Russia-Ukraine war reflect a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy that could prioritize negotiations over military support. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Trump's stance on Ukraine will be closely monitored, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election and its impact on U.S. relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
