PALM BEACH, Florida: US President-elect Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to negotiate a deal with Russia to end the ongoing invasion, suggesting that the territorial gains made by Russia should be acknowledged in the settlement.
Speaking on December 16 at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should “be prepared to make a deal,” as the war continues to claim countless lives. “Too many people being killed,” Trump said, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the conflict.
Trump downplayed the significance of Ukrainian territory captured by Russian forces, claiming it would take a century to rebuild the devastated cities. “It’s nice to say they want their land back,” Trump said, referring to Ukrainian hopes of recapturing lost territory, “but the cities are largely destroyed.” He argued that the destruction in cities like Mariupol left them in no condition to be reclaimed, adding, “Take over what?”
The comments signal that a Trump administration could lead to a sharp reduction in US aid to Ukraine and might push for a settlement that reflects Russia’s territorial claims. Trump reiterated his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine had he remained in office, and criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for allowing Ukraine to use advanced missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), to strike Russian targets.
“I don’t think they should have allowed missiles to be shot 200 miles into Russia,” Trump said.
In contrast, the Biden administration maintains that it is ultimately up to Ukraine to determine the conditions under which they pursue talks, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasizing that the US will not force Ukraine into negotiations.
On his meeting with Zelensky earlier in December, Trump noted that while he did not invite Zelensky to his inauguration, he would be open to hosting the Ukrainian leader if he wished to attend.
Trump also described the war as “nasty,” stating that “an astronomical” number of soldiers have died on both sides, and reiterated that if he were president, “that war would have never happened.”
