Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office on 31 January 2025 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty images
US President Donald Trump has made a statement that could change the diplomatic balance in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Answering journalists’ questions at the White House, he did not confirm that Ukraine would be an equal participant in possible peace talks with Russia, Ukrayinska Pravda reports.
“That’s an interesting question,” Trump said, leaving room for interpretation.
Peace at any cost?
Despite the ambiguous answers, Trump stressed that Ukraine should strive for peace:
“I think they have to make peace. Their people are being killed, and I think they have to do it,” said the politician, who has repeatedly questioned the level of military assistance to Kyiv.
His comment about possible territorial concessions to Ukraine was even more disturbing.
“Zelenskyy will do what he has to do,” Trump replied, avoiding direct support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Is the surrender of territories a “realistic option”?
The President made it clear that he does not believe in Ukraine’s return to the 2014 borders, in effect allowing for the possibility of Russia’s retention of the annexed territories.
“Ukraine is unlikely to return to its pre-war borders,” Trump said, which could be perceived as a hint at the possibility of a frozen conflict or even legitimisation of the Kremlin’s seizures.
The first talks were held in Saudi Arabia
Trump confirmed his intention to meet personally with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss possible ways to end the war. According to him.
