US President Donald Trump has predicted that the war between Russia and Ukraine will end soon, with Ukraine emerging with a territory that has "different contours". In an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes, Trump expressed confidence that Washington is close to reaching a peace agreement, but provided no details on potential territorial concessions. He noted that tensions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are complicating negotiations.
Trump believes that the war will only end due to his efforts, stating that he is the only one who can bring it to a close. He dismissed the idea that Putin is intentionally delaying negotiations, and defended his administration's policy towards Moscow. Trump cited sanctions and trade measures imposed on Russia, as well as his decision to allow Russian oil exports, which critics argue has eased pressure on Moscow.
The US President emphasized that the United States continues to supply arms to Ukraine, which are purchased by European countries from Washington at full price. Trump stated that he sells these arms to Europe at the normal price and that they pay for them. This arrangement has allowed Ukraine to receive military aid from the US.
Trump was also questioned about reports of restricted access to Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by Elon Musk. He claimed to be unaware of who was responsible for the restrictions, but assured that Ukraine has regained access to the service. Trump stated that he has seen no evidence of intentional throttling of the service.
The US President's comments on the Ukraine conflict come amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace agreement. Trump has been involved in discussions with both Putin and Zelensky, and has sought to position himself as a key player in resolving the conflict. His predictions for a swift end to the war have not been universally accepted.
Critics of Trump's approach to Russia have argued that his policies have not been tough enough on Moscow. However, Trump defended his record, stating that he has been "harder" on Russia than anyone else. He pointed to sanctions and trade measures as evidence of his administration's commitment to holding Russia accountable.
The Ukraine conflict has been ongoing since 2022, resulting in significant human suffering and displacement. A peaceful resolution to the conflict remains elusive, but Trump's comments suggest that he is optimistic about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. The outcome of these efforts remains to be seen.
Key points
- Trump predicts Ukraine war will end soon with changed borders.
- US continues to supply arms to Ukraine.
- Trump defends his policy towards Russia.
