U.S. President Donald Trump openly stated that he has the intention to finish the war in Ukraine exactly this week. He said this in an interview with the Fox News TV channel recorded before the summit with Putin officially began.
According to Trump, he is ready to make a sharp decision and does not intend to prolong the process. “I will not spend much time, strength and money on this. I want to do this and I want to stop them not next week, but this week,” he said. After these words, he emphasized his high confidence in delivering a result while conserving his resources.
During the interview he also noted that the issue of nuclear agreements with Russia could be one of the major topics in the negotiations package. According to Trump, reducing escalation on nuclear security will bring benefit to everyone, therefore there is no need to avoid constructive dialogue in this direction. In his view, forming an atmosphere of trust and setting transparent rules will remain a main pillar of global security.
At the same time, Trump mentioned the possibility that if the Ukraine crisis goes uncontrolled, it may turn into a large-scale clash and bring about a “Third World War” scenario. While warning about this danger, he emphasized that diplomatic paths must be used to the maximum degree in order not to step onto this path. In his words, only when political will and practical steps are harmonized will the chain of escalation be broken.
Trump also reminded that there is great potential for bilateral relations between Russia and the U.S., including that a new window may open in the directions of business and investment. He mentioned ideas of restoring economic ties, expanding trade cooperation, and moving to a “joint interest” formula. In this sense he considers it important “to re-stabilize the field that is standing in tremor.”
Nevertheless, he also set tough rules regarding the technique of negotiations: if in this matter the “lack of future” of dialogue with Russia becomes clear, Washington may consider it appropriate to exit the negotiation process on Ukraine. In Trump’s opinion, when a logical result is not visible, neither time nor diplomatic resources should be spent in vain. Through this approach he showed an active but pragmatic position.
On the subject of sanctions he also gave a two-edged statement: according to Trump, the introduction of secondary restrictions could have a “devastating effect” on Russia’s economy. However, right there he left “a window of possible softening,” saying that “perhaps we may not be forced to this.” That is, the sanction remains as a means of pressure, but if there is movement toward an agreement, it can remain as a lever.
At the end of the conversation Trump specifically stated that he “wants to meet with Putin again.” According to him, through such contacts it is possible to open the main knots of the problems and in a short time set clear rules and procedures. Therefore he once again emphasized that he supports open channels and direct dialogue.
In conclusion, the content of Trump’s interview to Fox News rests upon the principle “rapid result — low resources, high pressure — appropriate dialogue.” While openly stating the intention to stop the clash in Ukraine already this week, he showed that he strives to preserve possibilities for maneuver along with decisiveness — from nuclear agreements to sanctions policy. Now attention is directed to the next meetings and practical steps — and it is exactly here that it will become known to what extent his promises will be implemented in life.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
