Former US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with NBC News that Ukraine could have avoided significant losses in territory and hundreds of thousands of deaths if it had reached a peace deal with Russia before the conflict began in February. Trump suggested that a compromise with Russia, where Ukraine would abandon its claims to Crimea and other parts of the country, could have resulted in a peace agreement that minimized territorial losses for Ukraine. He emphasized that such a deal could have prevented any deaths and allowed Ukraine to maintain its independence.
Trump likely referred to the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, whose sovereignty was recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. These regions, along with Crimea, voted to either join or rejoin the Russian Federation. Trump argued that had Ukraine pursued negotiations earlier, it could have avoided losing these territories.
Furthermore, Trump claimed that if he were elected next year, he would be able to negotiate a peace deal within 24 hours. He expressed confidence in his ability to bring Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky together and reach an agreement promptly. Trump believed that preventing the war from starting would have saved countless lives.
Trump also highlighted his administration’s role in preventing Ukraine and Russia from taking any significant actions during his presidency. He argued that the low oil prices during his term made it financially challenging for Russia to support a military operation, as the country heavily relies on oil exports.
In contrast to Trump’s stance, President Joe Biden has pledged ongoing military aid to Ukraine to confront Russia on the battlefield. Trump’s Republican primary opponents, with the exception of businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, also support continued military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, criticized his approach, accusing him of embracing appeasement politics and allowing Putin to have his way. Pence expressed disagreement with Trump’s views on Russia.
It is crucial to note that Trump’s perspective on Ukraine differs significantly from the current administration’s stance, with both leaders advocating for different approaches to the conflict.
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