President-elect Donald Trump vows to make progress on ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict, criticizing Biden’s foreign policy decisions.
At a Glance
- Trump expresses hope for advancing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
- He criticizes Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.
- Trump plans to reduce military aid to Ukraine to push for negotiations.
- The president-elect blames Biden for North Korean involvement in the conflict.
- Trump acknowledges the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine situation.
Trump’s Vision for Ukraine-Russia Peace
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his determination to make progress in ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During his first news conference since winning the election, Trump described the war as “horrible” and emphasized the urgent need to stop it. He acknowledged the high human cost of the conflict, suggesting that the death toll is likely higher than reported.
“We’re trying to get the war stopped, that horrible, horrible war that’s going on in Ukraine, Russia, Ukraine,” Trump stated. He added, “We’re going to get a little progress. It’s a tough one, it’s a nasty one, it’s nasty.”
Criticism of Biden’s Foreign Policy
Trump strongly criticized outgoing President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. ATACMS missiles against Russian territory. He called the move “stupid” and expressed frustration that his incoming administration was not consulted. “I don’t think that should have been allowed, not when there’s a possibility — certainly not just weeks before I take over. Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I wouldn’t have had him do that. I think it was a big mistake,” Trump declared.
The president-elect suggested he might reverse Biden’s decision once he takes office, stating, “I might. I think it was a very stupid thing to do.” Trump’s stance on this issue highlights the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine under his administration.
Trump says he’s made ‘progress’ on Ukraine peace talks, blames Biden for North Korean deployment https://t.co/2QPvvvJVDF pic.twitter.com/gfZ9ojLloA
— New York Post (@nypost) December 16, 2024
Reducing Military Aid and Pushing for Negotiations
Trump plans to reduce military assistance to Ukraine as a means to push the country into negotiations with Russia. This approach contrasts with the Biden administration’s recent announcement of a $988 million military aid package to Ukraine. Trump reiterated that he does not plan to “abandon” Ukraine but aims to use U.S. support as leverage for a peace agreement.
“I don’t think they should have allowed missiles to be shot 200 miles into Russia. I think that was a bad thing and that brought the Koreans in — North Korea, another man I get along with very well. I’m the only one that does. But that did a lot of bad things,” Trump explained.
North Korean Involvement and Complexities
Trump blamed Biden’s policies for the reported involvement of North Korean troops fighting for Russia in the Kursk region. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate international situation. The president-elect acknowledged the difficulty in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict compared to other global issues, stating, “I think the Middle East will be in a good place. I think actually more difficult is going to be the Russia-Ukraine situation. I see that as more difficult.”
As Trump prepares to take office, the situation in Ukraine remains complex, with both sides seeking battlefield advantages. The Pentagon has revealed intelligence suggesting Russia might use a new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine, further complicating peace efforts.
Sources:
- ‘It’s a tough one,’ Trump says following questions on how he plans to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine
- Trump says it was ‘stupid’ for Biden to let Ukraine use US weapons to strike deeper into Russia
- Trump says he’s made ‘progress’ on Ukraine peace talks, blames Biden for North Korean deployment
