The Ukraine conflict would have escalated into a “total disaster” without US mediation, according to US President Donald Trump. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Trump stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky lacks the necessary leverage to negotiate a peace deal with Russia. Trump’s comments come amid ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014.
The US president referred to a leaked 28-point peace plan, which envisioned Ukraine ceding control of the Donbass region to Russia, abandoning its NATO ambitions, and limiting its military capabilities. Although the plan was later reduced to 20 points, key issues remain unresolved, with Zelensky hesitant to concede territory. Trump emphasized the importance of his mediation, claiming it has prevented a wider crisis and potentially even a third world war.
When asked about the current state of negotiations, Trump said that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky appear willing to settle, but he did not provide a timeline for a potential peace deal. Last month, Trump met with Zelensky in Miami, where he stated that a peace deal was “95% ready.” However, the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine as a post-deal security guarantee has been met with opposition from Russia, which views it as a foreign intervention.
The situation remains complex, with various stakeholders pursuing different objectives. The US, Europe, and other Western countries have been providing support to Ukraine, while Russia has been seeking to protect its interests in the region. As the conflict continues, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution. The next steps in the negotiation process will be crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict and the future of the region.
