Synopsis
In a recent statement, President Trump indicated that Ukraine may one day come under Russian control, proposing that the nation exchange its natural resources for financial support from the United States. His remarks have raised questions about future US aid amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.Key Takeaways
- Trump suggested Ukraine could become Russian.
- He proposed a $500 billion resource trade for US aid.
- Ukraine has valuable resources, according to Trump.
- Trump's remarks may appeal to the Kremlin.
- US envoy will discuss peace at the Munich Security Conference.
Washington, Feb 12 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has indicated that Ukraine could potentially come under Russian control "someday", as he urged the war-affected nation to exchange its natural resources for US aid.
Trump, whose potential return to power raises questions about the billions allocated in US support for Ukraine, stated during a Fox News interview that he proposed to Kyiv a deal involving "$500 billion worth of rare earth materials".
He asserted that Ukrainian officials had "effectively agreed" to this proposal, claiming that Ukraine possesses "incredibly valuable land in terms of rare earth elements, oil, gas, and more." Trump emphasized, "I want our investment safeguarded because we are expending hundreds of billions of dollars."
He added, "They may reach an agreement or they may not. They could become Russian someday, or they might not. However, we have invested significant funds and I demand a return on that investment."
Trump, who has consistently advocated for a swift resolution to the conflict, previously suggested a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week.
Additionally, a report from CNN noted that Trump's comments are likely to be favorable to the Kremlin, which has unlawfully annexed four Ukrainian regions since its invasion began.
US envoy to Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, is set to present their vision for peace in Ukraine to allies at the Munich Security Conference from February 14-16, before visiting Kyiv four days later, according to Ukrainian state media.
The Kremlin supported Trump's assertions.
The Russian invasion, which commenced in February 2022, was anticipated to swiftly overpower Ukraine; however, nearly three years in, Russia controls merely about one-fifth of Ukraine's territory.
In 2023, Moscow held a contentious referendum in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, attempting to legitimize its annexation of these areas.
Peskov mentioned, "Despite numerous risks, people stood in line and voted" in the referendum. However, international observers labeled the vote as a "propaganda exercise", as reported by CNN.
“The notion that a significant portion of Ukraine desires to join Russia, and that it has already joined, is undeniable," stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
Peskov acknowledged a "50 percent probability" and noted that many in Ukraine wish to become part of Russia, referencing the referendum in occupied regions.
During the Fox News interview, Trump also conveyed that his administration had made "remarkable progress" in establishing the foundation for potential peace discussions between Russia and Ukraine.
President Zelensky mentioned that "some serious individuals" from the Trump administration would visit Ukraine this week prior to the Munich Security Conference, where he is anticipated to meet with Vance.
Trump reiterated his intention to secure a return on US investments in Ukraine, particularly concerning the nation's resources.
