The connection between Donald Trump and Russia dates back to his first presidential campaign, with allegations that the Kremlin supported his bid for the White House in 2016.
As he campaigns for re-election, Trump has repeatedly asserted that he can swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, although he has not provided a detailed plan as the U.S. presidential election approaches. His running mate, JD Vance, recently shared some insights into what a second Trump administration’s approach to the conflict might entail during a podcast.
Trump has frequently criticized U.S. policy toward Ukraine, claiming that the Democratic leadership has been financing and prolonging a war that does not benefit American interests. He has stated that the war would not have begun if he had won the 2020 election and has boasted he could resolve it “in 24 hours,” though he has offered no evidence for these assertions. During a recent debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, he claimed that if elected in November, he would “get it done before even becoming president” in January. However, he suggested that revealing the details of his plan would undermine his negotiating position.
“I have a very specific idea on how to stop the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as some thoughts on China,” Trump mentioned in a podcast with Lex Fridman. “But I can’t disclose those plans, because sharing them would hinder their effectiveness. Part of it is about maintaining an element of surprise.” While Trump has been vague about his strategies, Vance provided more information about their potential approach.
According to Vance, Trump would initiate negotiations with the Kremlin, Ukraine, and European stakeholders to pursue a “peaceful settlement.” He described a possible outcome where the current line separating Russia and Ukraine would become a demilitarized zone, with Ukraine maintaining its sovereignty and Russia receiving guarantees that Ukraine would not join NATO or other alliances.
Vance, a former U.S. Marine, highlighted the significant risks of helping Ukraine regain control of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. He questioned the cost in American lives that such an action might entail, stating, “If the answer is more than zero, then I’m out.”
He expressed confidence that Trump could secure a deal quickly, noting, “They’re scared of him in Russia, and they’re concerned about him in Europe because they know he means what he says.”
