Trump Tells Zelenskyy: The biggest conflict the world is facing right now is the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. When Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, no one imagined that this war would last so long and affect the politics, security and economy of the entire world. Millions of people have been displaced, thousands of civilians and soldiers have lost their lives, and Europe has faced its biggest security crisis. Meanwhile, the statement of former US President Donald Trump remains a topic of deep discussion in international circles. Trump has said the responsibility to end this war rests solely on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Source: cnbc.com
Trump’s statement and its impact
Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that Zelensky can end the war with Russia immediately if he wants. According to him, the decision is entirely in the hands of the President of Ukraine whether to make a peace agreement immediately or prolong the fight. He also reminded that in 2014, during the Obama administration, Russia occupied Crimea without firing a bullet. At the same time, he clearly said that Ukraine should not become a part of NATO under any circumstances. Trump’s opinion is almost the same as Russia has been holding for many years, that is, to get recognition for its occupation of Crimea and keep Ukraine away from the Western military alliance.
Roots of the Russia-Ukraine war
Today’s conflict did not start suddenly, its roots are hidden in the events of 2014. In the same year, Russia took over the Crimea region of Ukraine. This move was criticized by the whole world, but Russia called it a part of its rights. After this, Russia started supporting the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. Due to this, there was constant tension there. In February 2022, Russia suddenly attacked the whole of Ukraine and this war started, which continues to this day.
Trump and Putin’s meeting
Recently, Trump had a three-hour long meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. This meeting was considered very important because the world hoped that perhaps a ceasefire agreement would come out of it. But the result was zero. Trump described the meeting as useful, but no concrete agreement came out. After the meeting, he told Zelensky that Russia was ready to stop fighting on most fronts if Ukraine retreated from Donetsk and Luhansk.
Zelensky’s refusal
Zelensky vehemently rejected Russia’s proposal. He believed that by doing so Ukraine would lose its strongest defense line and Russia would get an opportunity to attack more in the future. Ukraine has long considered the Donetsk region as its “fortress belt”. This is the part from where Ukraine has been fighting against Russia since 2014. If this part is lost, Ukraine will become completely insecure.
US and NATO’s View
The US and NATO have been supporting Ukraine from the beginning. The US has clearly stated that this war is the result of Russian aggression, not Ukraine’s fault. Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the United Nations that if Russia stops fighting, the war will end, but if Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine will cease to exist. This statement highlights the fact that this conflict is not just between two countries, but is a test of the entire global system. NATO believes that Russia’s aim is not only to occupy Ukraine, but also to weaken Europe’s security system.
Is ending the war only in Zelensky’s hands?
Trump’s statement sounds easy, but the reality is much more complex than this. The war can never end with a unilateral decision. If Ukraine accepts Russia’s conditions, it will be a threat to its sovereignty and independence. On the other hand, if it continues the fight, human and economic losses will increase. To say that the responsibility of ending the war lies only with Zelensky is to ignore the reality. The war will not end until Russia abandons its aggressive policies and retreats.
Impact on the security of Europe and America
The impact of this war is not limited to Ukraine only. The whole of Europe is in its grip. If Russia succeeds in its objective, it will send a signal to the whole world that powerful countries can subjugate smaller countries by using military force. This will also have a profound impact on the credibility of NATO and the security of America and Europe may also be in danger. This is the reason why Western countries are against accepting every demand of Russia.
The way forward
The world has only two options. The first is that Ukraine continues the fight and tries to push Russia back. This path is difficult, but only through this Ukraine can save its independence. The second option is that Ukraine agrees to Russia’s terms and the war ends immediately. But this option can prove to be dangerous for it because it will give Russia a way to attack more in the future.
Conclusion
Trump’s statement that ending the war is only in Zelensky’s hands seems to be a one-sided approach. The truth is that unless Russia backs down from its aggressive policies and respects international law, it is difficult to end this war. Putting pressure on Ukraine can become a dangerous example not only for it but for the whole world. The meeting to be held in Washington in the coming days and discussions with European leaders will determine the future direction of this war. But looking at the current situation, it seems that this conflict will not end soon.
FAQs:
Q. What did Donald Trump say about the Ukraine war?
A. Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia almost immediately if he wanted.
Q. Why did Zelenskyy reject Russia’s proposal?
A. He believed it would weaken Ukraine’s defenses and allow Russia to launch future offensives.
Q. What does Russia demand for peace?
A. Recognition of Crimea’s annexation and assurance that Ukraine will never join NATO.
