Trump Positions Himself as Mediator in Ukraine Conflict Amid Zelenskyy Resistance

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State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated in an interview that President Donald Trump is strategically positioned to intervene and end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“The point is that the killing has to end,” Bruce said on Media Buzz. “If there’s anybody who can confront, deal with, and manage Putin, it is Donald Trump.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected participation in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the Kremlin leader is attempting to deceive the United States. This stance presents a significant obstacle to any negotiated settlement.

Trump addressed the matter during a news conference on the federal government taking control of the Washington, D.C., police department. While acknowledging his willingness to negotiate, Trump tempered expectations for a swift resolution.

Critics note that despite threats of sanctions against Moscow, Trump has a record of avoiding follow-through. Previous self-imposed deadlines of 50 days and then 10 days to implement measures against Russia were not enforced.

Since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has faced widespread diplomatic isolation and condemnation for civilian casualties. Nonetheless, Trump has extended an invitation to Putin for talks in Alaska—a move some interpret as granting legitimacy to a leader widely regarded as an aggressor.

Putin’s strategy has been to solidify battlefield gains and retain most or all captured territory in any peace agreement. Ongoing Russian airstrikes in Ukraine underscore his unwillingness to scale back military operations.

Zelenskyy insists that ceding territory would violate Ukraine’s constitution and provoke domestic political backlash. However, a recent poll shows 38% of Ukrainians would accept some territorial concessions to end the war.

Trump has mentioned the possibility of “swapping territories,” though Ukraine holds limited bargaining power. The nation’s brief control of over 500 square miles in Russia’s Kursk region has shrunk to just four square miles, achieved at significant human cost.

Observers draw parallels to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, after which global outrage eventually subsided without the restoration of Ukrainian control.

In his remarks, Trump stated, “I’d have a great call with him and then missiles would be lobbed into Kyiv. I’m going to be telling him to end this war.” He added that he seeks to reclaim some territory “for the good of Ukraine” and believes he could determine within minutes whether a deal is possible. If not, he said, “I may leave and say good luck.”

The president suggested bringing Putin and Zelenskyy together for direct negotiations, but Zelenskyy has remained firm in rejecting any arrangement that rewards Russian aggression. He has called such concessions giving land “to the occupier.”

Security guarantees remain a key condition for Ukraine. Without them, Kyiv fears Russia could exploit a cease-fire to regroup and launch renewed offensives—a scenario reminiscent of post-Crimea developments.

The war has caused heavy casualties on both sides and remains one of the most complex geopolitical crises in recent history. It continues to stem from Russia’s illegal invasion and its ongoing denial of Ukraine’s sovereignty.