Pentagon withholds comment on Trump’s possible buffer zone plans in Ukraine
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder (Photo: Getty Images)
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder stated that the US Department of Defense has refrained from commenting on any potential plans by newly-elected President Donald Trump to establish a buffer zone in Ukraine. The United States remains focused on continuing its support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
"I'm not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals about the next administration. We're very focused on, as I highlighted earlier, on the situation at hand right now and frequent communication with our Ukrainian counterparts to ensure they have what they need to defend themselves from Russian aggression," Ryder said.
Ryder was also asked if Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is concerned about potential changes that could impact the legacy of Joe Biden’s administration. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of Ukrainian security for the United States and Europe.
"Secretary Austin has talked many times about the fact that Ukraine matters, that Ukraine's security matters, not only to Europe but also to the United States," Ryder underscored.
He also noted that bipartisan support for Ukraine remains strong, and the US will continue cooperating with allies and partners.
"We're going to continue to be focused on the task at hand right now, which is helping Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression. But as for what the future might portend, I'm just not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals," Ryder concluded.
Settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine
Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end Russia’s war against Ukraine within a single day. According to media reports, one of the potential solutions being considered involves Ukraine conceding some territories.
Recently, British media released a new version of Trump’s so-called peace plan, which includes the creation of a buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, with European forces stationed within this area.
Hungary's Ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, stated that Pope Francis may support such a peace agreement, which could potentially aid newly-elected US President Donald Trump in convincing Ukraine of the need for territorial concessions in favor of Russia.
