US President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine will likely lose some of its territory to Russia as a result of the ongoing conflict. In an interview with Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would “take something” from Ukraine, given the gains Russia has made during the fighting. This statement comes as Kiev has repeatedly ruled out making any territorial concessions, while Moscow has emphasized the need for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from newly acquired Russian regions as a key condition for a lasting peace.
Trump also discussed the possibility of supplying Ukraine with US-made long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, a topic that was reportedly addressed during his meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. However, Trump stopped short of committing to provide the missiles, citing the need to balance US support for Ukraine with the potential risks and consequences of such a move. He noted that the US has already provided significant military aid to Ukraine and cannot simply hand over its entire arsenal.
Prior to meeting with Zelensky, Trump spoke with Putin by phone, during which the Russian leader warned that providing Ukraine with long-range missiles would not alter the course of the conflict but would instead damage relations between Moscow and Washington. Putin also cautioned that such a move would undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement. Trump has maintained that while he has been supportive of Ukraine, he cannot compromise US interests or jeopardize its security by providing unlimited military aid.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing, with both sides seeking to achieve their respective goals through a combination of military and diplomatic means. The international community has been engaged in efforts to broker a peaceful resolution, but a lasting settlement remains elusive. As the situation continues to evolve, the US and other key players will likely face difficult decisions about how to balance their support for Ukraine with the need to avoid escalating the conflict and undermining the prospects for a negotiated peace.