Trump Claims Putin and Zelenskyy ‘Will Make Peace’ Amid Ongoing Ukraine War

Former U.S. President’s Remarks Spark Debate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a recent interview that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “will make peace” to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump, who is running for re-election in 2024, made the comments during a discussion about global geopolitics and his foreign policy approach.

Context of Trump’s Statement

Trump emphasized his relationship with both leaders, suggesting that his administration’s prior interactions with Russia and Ukraine positioned him as a potential mediator. “I know both men well, and I think they want to end this war,” he said. His remarks come as Ukraine continues to defend against Russia’s invasion, now in its third year, with Western allies providing military and financial aid.

Criticism and Skepticism

Critics have questioned Trump’s optimism, citing Russia’s repeated refusal to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territories and Zelenskyy’s insistence on reclaiming sovereignty. Ukrainian officials have consistently stated that peace negotiations cannot proceed unless Russia halts its aggression and respects Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders.

• Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula: Ukraine has proposed a 10-point peace plan, including the withdrawal of Russian troops and accountability for war crimes.
• Russia’s Demands: Putin has called for Ukraine to abandon NATO aspirations and recognize annexed regions as Russian territory.

Trump’s History with Ukraine and Russia

Trump’s relationship with Ukraine has been contentious. In 2019, he was impeached for withholding military aid to Ukraine while pressuring Zelenskyy to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Meanwhile, his administration faced scrutiny over alleged ties to Russia, though investigations did not conclusively prove collusion.

Global Reactions

European leaders and U.S. policymakers have expressed caution about Trump’s statements. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked, “Peace cannot come at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated support for Ukraine’s “right to self-defense.”

The Path Forward

Analysts note that while diplomatic efforts are critical, significant gaps remain between Ukrainian and Russian positions. The U.S. presidential election in November 2024 could influence the conflict’s trajectory, particularly if Trump secures a second term and alters America’s current support for Ukraine.