A Souvenir Shopkeeper Displays Matryoshka Dolls Featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Presidents, Including Donald Trump
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the “bloody mess” in Ukraine, prompting concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing conflict. Trump stated that he wants to meet with Putin and that the meeting is being set up, with the possibility of taking place as a summit or state visit.
Trump’s approach to dealing with the conflict in Ukraine is reportedly different from that of the outgoing administration of Joe Biden, who has been a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout the conflict. The Trump administration has historically had a more cordial relationship with Putin, with some critics suggesting that this relationship may lead to concessions on the part of Ukraine.
The Russian government has welcomed Trump’s intentions to fall back on dialogue, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Putin is ready to meet Trump without reservations. However, the specifics of such a rapprochement have yet to be agreed upon and will likely depend on Trump’s inauguration.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the United States has committed roughly $65.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the invasion. The most recent aid package, valued at $500 million, was announced just 10 days before Biden’s scheduled exit from the White House.
Trump has previously stated that he could resolve the conflict in Ukraine in 24 hours, without providing any concrete proposals or methods. His comments and actions have raised concerns that the US may pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions to its invader, potentially leading to a diplomatic denouement.
Ukraine is expected to hold talks with Trump after his inauguration, with the country’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, having previously met with Trump at the White House. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, with experts warning that the US should not abandon its support for Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty.