Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine “may be Russian one day” which has set alarm bells ringing over potential peace talks. “They (Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News. It comes as Trump plans to travel to Ukraine this week and Vice President J.D. Vance is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
Trump said he wanted to see a return on investment with US aid for Ukraine, stating: “I want the equivalent, like $500bn worth of rare earth and they have essentially agreed to do that.”. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it anticipated a quick victory, expecting to capture Kyiv and other major cities within days and topple the Ukrainian government. This belief was based on the assumption that Ukraine would be unable to withstand Russia's superior military force. However, the Ukrainian military, bolstered by civilian resistance and substantial international support, has put up a fierce defense.
Now, with the third anniversary fast approaching, the conflict remains ongoing with no definitive resolution in sight. The war has caused significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and widespread destruction, with ongoing battles in eastern Ukraine and southern regions. Efforts for peace negotiations have so far failed to bring an end to the conflict, and the war continues to impact global politics.
Trump has reportedly spoken with Vladimir Putin over the phone, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. “All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They’re like your kids, two million of them – and for no reason,” Trump told the New York Post. Trump told the newspaper he “better not say” how many times the two leaders had spoken, but admitted he maintained a “good relationship” with Putin.
