The missed deadline for ending the war in Ukraine and the sparse mentions of it during the inauguration indicate that the new U.S. president Donald Trump will face significant challenges.
According to CNN, the American leader did not reference Ukraine in his inaugural speech and did not make any specific promises regarding further assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. His first step will likely involve a conversation with Kremlin leader Putin.
Such negotiations will mark a sharp departure from the approach taken by former U.S. President Joe Biden. According to someone familiar with Trump's mindset, solutions can be reached through direct engagement with Putin:
"How the hell are you going to find a way out of this mess if you’re not talking?".
The publication notes that in private discussions, officials acknowledge that Trump's plan will almost certainly require concessions from Ukraine. Moreover, it remains unclear whether he intends to continue supplying weapons and intelligence to Kyiv. Questions about security guarantees and the country’s reconstruction also remain unresolved.
Trump's Statements on the War in Ukraine
As is well known, during the election campaign, the politician asserted that under his presidency, Putin would not launch a major offensive against Ukraine. Trump promised to bring the presidents of Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.
Already after the inauguration, he informed reporters that his administration would strive to achieve this goal as soon as possible.