Trump’s Winning Strategy for Peace in Ukraine
Former President Donald Trump could hold the key to ending the war in Ukraine. Analysts believe that by bolstering Ukraine’s position and providing unwavering support, Trump could push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards a meaningful peace agreement.
Trump has repeatedly stated that ending the war in Ukraine is his top priority, even appointing retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for the conflict. However, some European leaders express concern aboutthresholds need stake the postwar, warning that concessions to Russia could simply lead to further conflict down the line.
Analysts emphasize a critical point: lasting peace can only be achieved through direct Ukrainian involvement and negotiation from a position of strength.
John Lough, a geopolitical expert at Chatham House, asserts that abandoning Ukraine, effectively allowing Russia to move further into Europe, might make Trump appear weak on the world stage and embolden America’s global rivals.
Instead, experts advocate for empowering Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
“Any deal will still involve some form of US support to keep the peace. Ukraine needs to maintain an effective military to deter further Russian aggression,” asserts Lough.
Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute in Washington, further emphasizes the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine. She notes that Putin will have no incentive to come to the negotiating table if he senses a waning commitment from the West.
“President Trump’s threat to give Ukraine everything it needs to retake territory and hold Russian territory ‘will put pressure on Putin because this war is not popular in Russia,’” Farkas said.
“If he decides that time is on Ukraine’s side, which means President Trump will support Ukraine, then he will be more motivated to make a deal. Ultimately, achieving lasting peace in Ukraine will depend on containing Russia, not leaving,” she emphasizes.
The Path Ahead
Just last year, reports surfaced indicating that Trump plans to pursue a peace deal beneficial for Ukraine. However, Kyiv would be expected to contribute its own resources in exchange.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underscores the importance of building Ukraine’s strength before entering negotiations, a position
that Trump seems poised to support, ensuring any agreement
works to Russia’s disadvantage. Rutte confidently predicts that the strategic alliance can persuade Putin to engage in goodfaith negotiations, bringing an end to the devastating conflict.
How does Trump’s strategy of bolstering Ukraine’s position aim to incentivize Putin towards a peace agreement?
## Trump’s Winning Strategy for Peace in Ukraine
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we are discussing the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Joining us is John Lough, a geopolitical expert at Chatham House. John, former President Trump has stated ending the war is a top priority and has even appointed a special envoy to the conflict. What are your thoughts on his strategy?
**John Lough:** Well, it’s certainly a bold move. Trump emphasizes bolstering Ukraine’s position and providing unwavering support, believing this will incentivize Putin towards a peace agreement. There’s some merit to this approach. If Putin believes Ukraine is truly backed by a strong ally like the US, he might be more inclined to negotiate in good faith.
**Host:** But what about concerns from European leaders, who worry that concessions to Russia could lead to further conflict down the line?
**John Lough:** Those are valid concerns. A lasting peace can only be achieved through direct Ukrainian involvement, with Ukraine negotiating from a position of strength. Giving away too much territory or autonomy without securing solid guarantees for Ukraine’s security could be disastrous in the long run.
**Host:** So, how do we balance the need for peace with ensuring Ukraine’s security and autonomy?
**John Lough:** It’s a delicate balancing act. Any negotiations must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure it has the necessary means to defend itself in the future. An agreement solely focused on ending the current conflict without addressing the underlying issues could simply set the stage for another war further down the road.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, John. This is clearly a complex situation with no easy solutions. Only time will tell if Trump’s strategy will ultimately lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
