U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting that Ukraine might one day become part of Russia. In a recent interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump, who has been advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, discussed the current situation. He stated, “They might make a deal, or they might not. If they want, they can become part of Russia, or they might not.” This remark has drawn significant reactions from both political analysts and global leaders.
Diplomatic Efforts and Key Meetings
Later this week, Trump’s vice-presidential pick, J.D. Vance, is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Trump administration believes that this meeting could accelerate the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky’s spokesperson, Sergii Nykyforov, informed AFP that the meeting between Vance and Zelensky would take place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday. The meeting is expected to cover key issues, including Ukraine’s security concerns, financial aid, and diplomatic negotiations.
Trump revealed that his special envoy, Keith Kellogg, is preparing a proposal to end the war. Under this plan, Kellogg will visit Ukraine on February 20. However, details of his visit have not been disclosed. Analysts suggest that the visit could involve behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at creating a diplomatic roadmap to peace.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
Meanwhile, Trump is not only considering a settlement but also a profitable deal. He commented, “Given the amount of financial aid we have provided to Ukraine, it is reasonable to expect something in return. Kyiv’s mineral resources, particularly rare minerals, could serve as compensation.” His statement reflects a growing sentiment within some factions of the U.S. government that aid to Ukraine should be tied to economic or strategic benefits for the United States.
He further stated, “We are investing so much money there, and I want something in return. I have told them that I expect something equivalent, such as $500 billion worth of rare minerals, and they have essentially agreed.”
Experts, however, caution that such an approach might undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and could set a precedent where financial aid is tied to resource exploitation. International economic analysts warn that negotiations involving Ukraine’s natural resources could create long-term dependencies and potential economic instability.
Ukraine’s Position and Security Concerns
However, Ukraine remains cautious about such discussions. President Zelensky insists on strong security guarantees from the U.S. before making any compromise with Russia. Ukraine fears that without NATO membership or peacekeeping forces as part of the agreement, Russia could use the opportunity to launch another attack in the future.
In a video message yesterday, Zelensky emphasized, “Ukraine needs real peace and effective security guarantees. This is not only important for Ukraine but for the entire free world.” His statement underscores Ukraine’s ongoing demand for Western military support and a formalized security agreement to prevent future Russian aggression.
Ukraine has also reiterated that any peace talks must be held under international law, respecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. European leaders have echoed similar sentiments, urging caution in negotiating deals that might favor Russia’s long-term geopolitical ambitions.
Will Trump’s Mediation Succeed?
While Trump seeks to mediate an end to the war, neither Ukrainian President Zelensky nor Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to direct negotiations so far. There is still no concrete plan from Trump to bring both parties to the negotiating table. Political experts argue that Trump’s approach might face resistance from both Ukraine and NATO allies, who remain skeptical about any settlement that could compromise Ukraine’s independence.
Furthermore, Trump’s history of foreign policy decisions has led to mixed reactions regarding his ability to mediate successfully. Some analysts suggest that his transactional approach to diplomacy could alienate Ukraine and its allies, making it difficult to establish a lasting peace agreement.
As the conflict continues, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s diplomatic efforts will lead to a resolution or further complicate an already volatile situation.
Source: Al Jazeera, AFP, Reuters
