During his campaign, Donald Trump made a bold claim: he could end the war in Ukraine in just “24 hours” after taking office, or even before. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that this promise will remain unfulfilled.
The war, which began nearly three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, shows no signs of stopping. The battle is fierce, with Russian forces intensifying their offensive in eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian troops continue to hold ground. Russia has taken heavy losses, with around 700,000 soldiers dead or wounded.
Since Trump’s election, his team has offered no clear peace plan for Ukraine. Despite this, there have been some discussions around the possibility of peace talks. Trump’s national security team recently acknowledged that striking a deal will be a tough challenge.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, whom Trump has chosen to work on Ukraine matters, admitted, “It’s not going to be easy.” Senator Marco Rubio, also appointed by Trump, echoed these concerns, saying such conflicts require hard diplomacy and perseverance.
Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine soon after Trump’s inauguration, aiming to find a peaceful solution. However, his proposed plan has already raised concerns, with some suggesting it might pressure Ukraine into concessions while offering little pressure on Russia.
While Trump has hinted that U.S. military support for Ukraine could be reduced, he hasn’t provided a clear roadmap for ending the conflict. He’s emphasized the role of his relationships with both Russian President Putin and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy in any potential deal.
His recent comments, suggesting that the war is more of a European issue, have raised alarms in Ukraine. Many fear the new administration might push Ukraine to make painful compromises without demanding much from Russia.
Despite this, Kellogg insists that Trump will not force Ukraine into an unfair deal. He stresses that Trump is focused on preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty while ensuring any peace deal is fair for all parties involved.
Meanwhile, Russia has been open to discussions with Trump’s team, particularly acknowledging that some of the ideas floating around Washington about peace talks have merit.
The road to peace remains uncertain, and pressure is mounting on Ukraine to adjust its policies, including potentially changing its mobilization rules. The coming months will reveal how this complex situation unfolds.
