Trump to begin Ukraine peace talks with Putin
Donald Trump insists that negotiations to begin the end of the war in Ukraine have begun after he and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone according to Al Jazeera.
The US’ position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict had been resolute since the war began on the 24th of February 2022.
Former president Joe Biden was an ardent backer of both NATO and Ukraine and was unwavering in his support for the country against their aggressive neighbour.
However, just weeks into office, Donald Trump looks set to once again change the status quo.
Trump claims to have spent more than an hour on the phone with Vladimir Putin and believes that a peace in Ukraine is on the way.
Trump stated that all sides – the US, Russia and Ukraine – want peace.
However, when pressed as to what a peace would look like, the president was more taciturn, refusing to commit to an answer.
Trump also denied the opportunity to confirm that Ukraine would be an equal member in peace negotiations, instead opting to reiterate that the two nations have to make peace.
This is an indicator that Trump may go ‘around’ Ukraine in order to work directly with Russia to foster a peace.
Whilst Trump and Putin have thus far only spoken over the phone, Trump said the two would probably meet in person in the near future, with Saudi Arabia potentially playing host.
Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky has been cautious in his response.
After enjoying a healthy and supportive relationship with the US since the war began, Zelensky will have to quickly adapt to life with Trump.
Unlike the Biden administration, Trump’s support for Ukraine is not guaranteed.
Despite his promised action in the Middle East, Trump had promised to run an isolationist foreign policy, and it is clear that he has little intention of sending further US resources to Ukraine.
Instead, Trump will look to be the President that oversees a peace deal and is happy to let Europe deal with the consequences.
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