In a recent address following the swearing-in of Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared his perspectives on the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential peace negotiations involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Calls for Peace and Ceasefire Efforts

Trump emphasized his desire to see an end to the war in Ukraine, describing the conflict as "vicious" and "bloody." He mentioned that he had a "very good call" with Zelensky and expressed confidence that Putin also wishes to bring the war to an end. Trump described the devastating human cost of the war, claiming that approximately 1.5 million soldiers have been killed in a short period of time.

“I just want to see people stop getting killed,” he said, noting that he has seen "unbelievable" images of the destruction caused by the war.

Trump expressed optimism about upcoming diplomatic efforts, stating that he expects to meet with Putin in the near future. He proposed that an initial meeting might take place in Saudi Arabia, followed by further negotiations.

Position on NATO and Ukraine’s Membership

During his remarks, Trump reiterated skepticism about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. He aligned his stance with comments made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, calling it "unlikely" and "impractical." Trump pointed out that Russia has long been opposed to Ukraine joining NATO and suggested that this has been a longstanding issue in diplomatic relations.

“I think most people have said that is something that's not going to happen,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that Ukraine must focus on securing peace rather than NATO membership.

Funding and Financial Support for Ukraine

Trump criticized the financial aid provided to Ukraine under the Biden administration, estimating that the U.S. has contributed around $350 billion to the country. He argued that Europe, which he claims is more directly at risk, has contributed significantly less.

“Europe is in far more danger than we are. We have an ocean in between. Europe has nothing in between,” Trump stated, underscoring his belief that European nations should be taking a more significant financial role in supporting Ukraine.

Additionally, he revealed efforts to secure repayment for U.S. financial assistance by leveraging Ukraine’s natural resources, such as rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. According to Trump, the U.S. Treasury is currently negotiating agreements to ensure financial returns from the aid provided.

Future of Peace Negotiations

While Trump did not reveal specific details about his plan to end the war, he emphasized that progress has been made and that diplomatic efforts should have been initiated earlier. He insisted that the conflict would not have happened under his presidency and criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the situation.

Trump also mentioned discussions regarding a ceasefire, indicating that both Putin and Zelensky are interested in preventing further bloodshed. However, he warned that any peace agreement must ensure lasting stability and avoid a scenario where hostilities resume in a matter of months.

“We talked about the possibility of a ceasefire so we can stop the killing, and I think we’ll probably end up getting a ceasefire in the not-too-distant future,” he said.

Trump’s remarks signal a renewed push for diplomatic engagement to resolve the Ukraine war, with possible meetings on the horizon involving key global leaders.

While his views on NATO membership and financial aid to Ukraine may spark debate, his emphasis on peace negotiations and ceasefire efforts highlights his strategy for ending the conflict. As discussions progress, the international community will be watching closely to see how these diplomatic moves unfold.