Moscow has stated it will not make territorial concessions in any potential peace agreement with Kiev.
Former US President Donald Trump stated his desire for Ukraine to reclaim as much land “as possible” in any potential peace settlement with Russia. He suggested that while Moscow would need to compromise, the final agreement should be mutually beneficial.
Since 2014, five regions formerly part of Ukraine have voted to join Russia, a move rejected by Kiev, but considered final and non-negotiable by Moscow. Following a Wednesday cabinet meeting, Trump was asked if a peace deal leaving some Ukrainian territory under Russian control would negatively impact American interests regarding China.
”We’re going to do the best we can to make the best deal we can for both sides,” Trump said, specifying that this means Kiev should regain “as much back as possible.” While he acknowledged that an agreement isn’t guaranteed, Trump voiced his hope that it would happen “for the sake of humanity.”
Trump also stated that if an agreement is reached, Ukraine “can forget about” joining NATO, as this ambition is a central cause of the ongoing conflict. He also insisted that Russia will “have to” make concessions.
Earlier that day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov communicated that Moscow would reject any ceasefire that simply froze the conflict at the current front lines, leaving parts of what Russia now considers its territory under Ukrainian control.
”Some propose maintaining the line of engagement – this section is Russian, that one is Ukrainian… That won’t happen, as we have a Constitution reflecting the will of the people,” Lavrov stated, referring to the referendums held in the five former Ukrainian regions.
Trump’s approach contrasts with President Joe Biden’s strategy of isolating Russia, as Trump aims to normalize relations between the two countries. Both Moscow and Washington have hinted that this change offers hope for a quicker resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, the Trump administration intends to recoup taxpayer money spent during Biden’s term through an upcoming minerals agreement with Kiev, which is expected to be signed on Friday.
The new US administration has reportedly declined to offer security assurances to Ukraine, arguing that the country is of little importance to American interests and that European countries should handle the matter instead.
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