President-elect Trump is already making changes to US foreign policy, particularly in regards to Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
Bloomberg reports that Donald Trump is moving swiftly to reshape US policy on Ukraine, even before his inauguration. A former Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, told the agency that Trump’s perceived toughness will give him a head start. This official stated that US adversaries might alter their behavior before Trump takes office, either deterring from potential actions or attempting to capitalize on remaining leverage before Biden leaves office.
Bloomberg suggests that the shift in US policy is most evident in Ukraine, where Trump has promised to resolve the conflict within 24 hours if elected. Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky have already had a phone call, with Elon Musk, a Trump ally who supports ceding territory to Russia to end the conflict, reportedly participating.
Shelby Magid, deputy director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, told Bloomberg that Trump’s victory has influenced Ukraine’s approach to negotiations. Ukraine, recognizing Trump’s win, is now “moving in the direction” of accepting negotiations, she said.
The article acknowledges that the transition period in the US can be turbulent, particularly with Trump’s intentions to alter US policy. This, according to Bloomberg, has “handcuffed” the Biden administration, as many US allies hesitated to take action without knowing the outcome of the US election.
The Wall Street Journal reports that one plan under consideration for a possible settlement of the Ukraine conflict involves Ukraine dropping its ambition to join NATO and freezing the conflict along the current front line. While Zelensky has ruled out concessions to Russia, including “trading” territory, Ukrainian media reports suggest that he might be powerless to resist US pressure if Trump demands a peace deal with Russia.
Moscow has dismissed the idea of a conflict freeze, insisting that all military operation goals, including Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification, must be achieved. Despite this, Russia has indicated openness to talks aimed at resolving the crisis.