Donald Trump has voiced his belief that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could have been resolved with relative ease, criticizing Ukraine’s negotiation strategies. His remarks followed a high-profile meeting between senior officials from the United States and Russia held in Saudi Arabia, where discussions aimed at addressing the war took place.
In a statement made from Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Trump claimed that the situation in Ukraine had been at a stalemate for years, suggesting that even a "half-baked negotiator" could have brokered a peace deal without the extensive loss of land, lives, and infrastructure. He expressed a sense of optimism about the potential for a peace agreement following the recent talks, which included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump also indicated that he would not oppose the deployment of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of a broader peace arrangement with Russia. He reiterated a controversial proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should hold elections as a prerequisite for peace, pointing out that Ukraine has been under martial law for an extended period and that Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have plummeted to around 4%. He suggested that the Ukrainian populace should have a say in the negotiations, stating, "If Ukraine wants a seat at the table, wouldn’t the people have to say – it has been a long time since they had an election?"
The meeting in Saudi Arabia marked a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic relations with Russia, which have been strained since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and further deteriorated with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The discussions resulted in an agreement to restore embassy staffing and establish a high-level team to facilitate peace negotiations. Rubio emphasized the need for both nations to have functional diplomatic missions and to explore opportunities for economic cooperation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the talks as "very useful," indicating that both sides were beginning to understand each other’s positions more clearly. However, Zelenskyy responded firmly, stating that Ukraine would not accept any outcomes from the meeting without its participation, highlighting the importance of Ukrainian involvement in any peace discussions.
As the war continues, Ukraine faces increasing challenges on the battlefield, with reports indicating a gradual loss of territory to Russian forces. The urgency for a diplomatic resolution is further underscored by the growing concerns among European allies about the implications of U.S.-Russian negotiations that may overlook Ukraine’s interests.
The Saudi meeting also reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitions to play a more prominent role in global diplomacy, which has been bolstered by the kingdom’s involvement in various international negotiations, including those related to prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia was postponed, suggesting a desire to distance himself from the U.S.-Russia talks, especially given that Ukrainian officials were not included in the discussions. As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful of the developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict and the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts.