United States President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with remarks suggesting that Ukraine “may be Russian someday” as diplomatic discussions over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continue. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance is preparing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later this week to discuss security commitments and potential resolutions to the nearly three-year-long conflict.
Trump’s Take on the Russia-Ukraine War
In an interview aired on Fox News, Trump weighed in on the war, indicating uncertainty about Ukraine’s future sovereignty.
“They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” Trump stated.
Trump has long emphasized a transactional approach to U.S. foreign aid, and in his latest remarks, he reiterated the idea that U.S. financial support for Ukraine should come with returns. He suggested that in exchange for military and economic aid, the U.S. should secure access to Kyiv’s rich natural resources, including rare earth minerals, which are crucial for modern technology and defense industries.
“We are going to have all this money in there, and I say I want it back. And I told them that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare earth,” Trump said. “And they have essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don’t feel stupid.”
Trump’s Plan for Conflict Resolution
Trump also announced that he would soon send his special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, to Ukraine to outline a potential peace proposal. His move reflects his push for a swift resolution to the conflict, aligning with his broader foreign policy stance of reducing U.S. involvement in global disputes while securing American interests.
Despite Trump’s calls for a settlement, Zelenskyy remains firm in demanding robust security guarantees from Washington. Kyiv has insisted that any deal with Russia must include firm military commitments such as NATO membership or the deployment of peacekeeping forces to prevent further Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s Response: Calls for Stronger Security Guarantees
Ukrainian officials are wary of any agreement that does not ensure long-term protection from future Russian military action. A high-ranking source within Zelenskyy’s office confirmed that Kellogg is scheduled to visit Ukraine on February 20. His arrival coincides with the lead-up to the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began on February 24, 2022.
Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s need for “real peace and effective security guarantees.”
“Security of people, security of our state, security of economic relations, and, of course, our resource sustainability—not only for Ukraine but for the entire free world,” he said in a video address shared on social media.
Trump’s Diplomatic Maneuvers and Relationship with Russia
While Trump has positioned himself as a potential broker for peace, he has yet to provide a detailed plan for bringing Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table. Both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have refused to engage in direct talks, making any immediate peace agreement unlikely.
Russia maintains that Ukraine must withdraw from territories still under Kyiv’s control in the south and east, and it opposes Ukraine’s growing ties with NATO. On the other hand, Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any territorial concessions, though he has acknowledged that diplomatic efforts may be necessary to reclaim occupied regions.
Moscow claims to have annexed five regions of Ukraine: Crimea in 2014 and Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia in 2022. However, Russian forces do not fully control these territories, and fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops has prevented complete occupation.
Upcoming High-Level Meetings and Potential Negotiations
Zelenskyy’s office has confirmed that a meeting with Trump is being arranged, but no official date has been set. Trump, speaking last week, hinted that he would “probably” meet with Zelenskyy in the coming days but ruled out traveling to Kyiv himself.
Meanwhile, Trump has reportedly been in communication with Putin about ending the war. The New York Post reported that Trump spoke to the Russian leader about potential peace negotiations, quoting Putin as saying he “wants to see people stop dying.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, refused to confirm or deny whether such a call took place.
Geopolitical Implications of Trump’s Comments
Trump’s assertion that Ukraine “may be Russian someday” has raised alarms among U.S. allies and policymakers who see such statements as undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The remark could signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy should Trump return to office, leading to concerns that Washington might pressure Ukraine into a deal favoring Russian interests.
The Biden administration and other Western nations have consistently framed the conflict as a battle for democratic values and national sovereignty, rejecting any notion of Ukraine falling under Russian control. NATO and European Union leaders have stressed the importance of continued military and financial support for Ukraine to prevent further territorial losses.
However, Trump’s transactional approach could reshape how the U.S. engages in global conflicts. His stance on demanding returns for American aid suggests a shift toward a more isolationist foreign policy, prioritizing economic benefits over long-term geopolitical strategy.
How Trump’s Statements Affect Ukraine’s War Strategy
Zelenskyy’s government remains committed to resisting Russian aggression and securing Western military assistance. However, concerns over diminishing international support—especially from the U.S.—could impact Ukraine’s long-term strategy.
Kyiv fears that any peace agreement lacking firm military guarantees would merely give Russia time to regroup and launch another invasion in the future. Ukrainian officials continue to push for NATO membership and increased military aid, warning that anything less would leave the country vulnerable to future aggression.
Conclusion: The Future of Ukraine-Russia Relations
As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its third anniversary, the international community remains divided on how to end the conflict. While Trump’s comments suggest a willingness to negotiate a settlement, his vague statements leave many questions unanswered about how such a deal would be structured and whether it would favor Ukraine or Russia.
With Vice President JD Vance set to meet with Zelenskyy and Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, preparing to visit Ukraine, discussions on peace and security are intensifying. However, without clear commitments from the U.S. and its allies, Ukraine faces an uncertain future in its fight for sovereignty.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can lead to a meaningful resolution or if the war will continue with no end in sight. As global leaders navigate these delicate negotiations, Ukraine remains firm in its stance: real peace must come with real security guarantees.
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