Trump makes new statement on war in Ukraine
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President-elect Donald Trump stated that he understands why Russia invaded Ukraine. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized that NATO should not be associated with Ukraine, Sky News informs.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Donald Trump was asked if he would commit to supporting Ukraine during negotiations with Russia.
“Well I wouldn't tell you if that were the case,” he responded.
Trump also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed that NATO should not be connected to Ukraine.
“Somewhere along the line Biden said you can join NATO. Well, then Russia has NATO right on their doorstep,” Trump said.
According to Trump, this led him to believe that Biden’s statements would result in war. Once again, Trump blamed the Biden administration for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
When asked by a journalist when exactly the US opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, Trump replied, “I think it was always understood.”
“I believe that they had a deal. And then Biden broke it. A satisfactory deal to Ukraine and everybody else. But Biden said,' No, you have to be able to join NATO,'” Trump added.
Will Trump meet with Putin?
During an interview, Trump stated that Russia's war against Ukraine has become much more complicated. He believes the situation could lead to further escalation.
"This war could escalate to be much worse than it is," he emphasized.
Trump was also asked how soon he plans to meet with Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
"Well, I can't tell you that, but I know that Putin would like to meet. I don't think it's appropriate that I meet until after the 20th," he said.
Trump concluded: "That's a war that should have never happened. I guarantee you, if I were president, that war would have never happened."
Trump’s threats to leave NATO
During his first term, Donald Trump pushed NATO countries to increase their defense spending to at least 2% of GDP. He urged allies to meet their financial commitments to the Alliance.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine accelerated the process of increasing military budgets in Western countries. Former European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the need to shift EU economies into "wartime mode" due to the threat posed by Russia.
Trump also promised to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to bring the war to an end.
For more details on Trump’s plans for Ukraine and whether there is a chance for the war to end in 2025, read RBC-Ukraine’s material.
