On Monday, President-elect Trump conveyed optimism about his ability to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, while also indicating that it may prove more challenging than the situation involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
During an unexpected press conference in Florida, Trump characterized the war in Ukraine as “carnage” and emphasized the urgent need to halt it, marking his first comprehensive acknowledgment of the issues involved.
Zelensky and Putin’s contrasting views complicate peace prospects in Ukraine
He expressed that the conflict in the Middle East would be manageable by the time he takes office, yet he was less certain about the dynamics between Russia and Ukraine. “I think actually more difficult is going to be the Russia-Ukraine situation,” Trump remarked, indicating that he perceives this issue as more difficult.
Citing the involvement of North Korean troops supporting Russia against Ukraine, Trump highlighted the intricate nature of the war. He also criticized the Biden administration’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.
“I don’t think that should have been allowed,” he stated, questioning the timing of the decision just weeks before his inauguration. “Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I wouldn’t have had them do that; I think that was a big mistake.”
Suggesting the possibility of reversing the authorization for long-range strikes, which permits Ukraine to deploy the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russian targets, Trump raised concerns about the strategic implications.
While some worry that his commitment to ending the war might lead to concessions of eastern Ukrainian territory to Russia, the incoming president has not elaborated on his specific plans for achieving peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to consider territorial compromises in exchange for NATO membership, a proposal that may be unacceptable to Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to conclude the war in Ukraine before assuming office and has at times claimed he could achieve that within 24 hours.
