Donald Trump was elected to be President on November 6. In his victory speech, Donald Trump declared his intention to end U.S. involvement in wars, yet he did not specifically address Ukraine, writes the Kyiv Independent.
However, Trump declared; "We had no wars for four years, except we defeated ISIS," alluding to his first term’s focus on avoiding conflict. “I’m not going to start a war; I’m going to stop the wars.”
Trump's potential approach to ending Russia's war in Ukraine has drawn global attention, though details remain sparse.
Ending the war in "24 hours"
His frequent claim that he could end the war “in 24 hours” raises questions about his plans. Trump has suggested that both Kyiv and Moscow would benefit from a deal allowing both sides to "save face."
In a 2023 interview, he indicated he would pressure Ukraine and Russia into negotiations, suggesting he would increase military support to Ukraine if Russia refused to cooperate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with skepticism, urging Trump to share his plan publicly.
Trump's plan can end up being a "trap"
Zelensky has remained firm that any ceasefire or concessions to Russia would be a “trap,” allowing Putin to rearm.
Reports have hinted that Trump might push Ukraine to cede Crimea or eastern regions and freeze military aid unless negotiations proceed.
His advisors have proposed temporarily freezing the war, establishing autonomous zones, and placing Ukraine’s NATO aspirations on hold.
Russia’s response has been guarded, with officials expressing doubts about Trump’s “quick deal” promises.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova suggested Trump’s statements are “pre-election rhetoric,” and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s demand for Ukraine to recognize its annexed territories.
While Trump claims his negotiation experience could secure peace, Zelensky and Ukrainian officials are wary, stressing Ukraine’s sovereignty and opposition to territorial concessions.
