US President Donald Trump has made clear that he does not believe Ukraine can secure a decisive victory against Russia in the ongoing war. Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged the possibility of a Ukrainian win but stressed the inherent unpredictability of war. He remarked, “They could still win it. I don’t think they will, but they could still win it.” Trump also claimed that the death toll is staggering, with 5,000 to 7,000 soldiers dying on both sides every week. While he previously suggested that Ukraine might reclaim all lost territory, he now indicates that some territorial concessions might be necessary. Trump has moved away from the Biden administration’s diplomatic approach, fostering closer ties with Russia. Following a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump reiterated that Ukraine might lose some property to Russia. He also confirmed plans for a further meeting with Putin in Budapest, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressing willingness to host the summit.
During the encounter, Trump suggested that a resolution would involve Ukraine relinquishing certain territories to Russia, a stance that contrasts with Kyiv’s position of rejecting such concessions. While the Ukrainian government has consistently refused to consider territorial compromises, Moscow has made it a key demand for ending the conflict. Trump’s remarks, however, did not explicitly signal a shift in the United States’ position on Ukraine’s sovereignty, though they reflect a departure from the more firm stance seen under the previous administration. The administration is now considering a more pragmatic approach, which could influence the geopolitical dynamics affecting Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing conflict.
Trump’s engagement with Russia marks a significant shift from the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who has maintained a firm stance against Russia and provided substantial military and financial support to Ukraine. This new approach may lead to a more cautious US strategy in the region, potentially affecting the outcomes of the conflict and the broader international relations between Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington. The upcoming summit between Trump and Putin is seen as an important step in normalizing relations between the two leaders. However, the implications of this development for the Ukrainian people and its ongoing efforts to resist Russian aggression remain a subject of intense discussion among international observers.