Trump Suggests Ukraine Could Become Russian, Sparks Controversy
In a recent Fox News interview, US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by suggesting that Ukraine could eventually become part of Russia. His comments, made ahead of a planned meeting between his vice president, JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, cast doubt on Ukraine’s future as a sovereign state amid its ongoing defense against Russia’s invasion.
Trump emphasized that Ukraine might negotiate peace with Russia, but he also implied that the country could one day be absorbed into Russia. He stated, “They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday.” Trump also reiterated his desire for the US to secure a return on the financial aid provided to Ukraine, suggesting a potential trade involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
These comments likely resonate with the Kremlin, which has sought to annex parts of Ukraine since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia has already illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, following controversial referenda that were widely condemned as illegitimate. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov appeared to endorse Trump’s remarks, asserting that “a significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia,” despite international rejection of the annexations.
When Russia initially invaded Ukraine, it expected a quick victory, hoping to seize Kyiv and other key cities in a matter of days. Nearly three years later, Russia controls approximately a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, with the war showing no signs of ending soon. Despite this, Trump suggested that the US might reconsider its level of support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to ensure that American investments in the region yield tangible returns.
Trump’s comments also reflect his transactional approach to foreign policy. While the Biden administration has framed its support for Ukraine as a stand for the principles of sovereignty and the right of nations to determine their own future, Trump’s perspective seems to prioritize securing economic benefits for the US. He has previously expressed interest in securing access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, particularly rare earth elements, and reaffirmed this stance during the interview.
In response to Trump’s statements, Zelensky remains focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. He welcomed discussions with US officials and emphasized the importance of continued support from Western nations, especially ahead of the upcoming Munich Security Conference. However, leaders like Polish President Andrzej Duda have underscored the need for Ukraine to regain its occupied territories and for Russia to face consequences for its actions. Duda stressed that the war should not end under terms that favor Russia.
Trump’s comments add another layer of complexity to an already fraught geopolitical situation. They align with Russia’s narrative that Ukraine is not an independent nation, undermining Western support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. As the conflict continues, the US stance remains a point of contention, with some advocating for more stringent support for Ukraine’s defense and others, like Trump, calling for a more strategic approach.
