In a recent 60 Minutes interview on November 9, U.S. President Donald Trump shared his views on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, suggesting that Ukraine’s borders might change as part of a peace deal. Speaking about the upcoming trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, Trump expressed optimism, stating, “I think we’re going to have it done and I think it’s going to happen, and they’re going to end up with a little bit different shape [for] Ukraine.” He added, “There’s a very important meeting taking place,” and emphasized, “I believe that that war is going to end and it’s going to end soon. And the only reason it’s going to end is because of me.”
Peace Talks
Trump pointed to the strained relationship between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a major obstacle to peace. When asked about the root of this tension, Trump noted, “It was the hatred between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin.” Despite the interviewer suggesting that President Zelensky’s feelings were understandable given Russia’s invasion, Trump remained neutral, saying, “When Putin and President Zelensky had their first meeting, there was great disrespect shown to Russia. So I’m not going to say anything.”
When pressed on whom he trusted more between the two leaders, Trump declined to take sides. “I’d rather not say, but I get along with both,” he stated. He also dismissed the idea that Putin was misleading him, asserting that he did not believe Putin was “stringing” him along.
Related Post: Ukraine strikes Russia with record drone assault
Starlink Slowdowns and Military Aid
Trump addressed the Starlink slowdowns that affected Ukraine’s military in October, claiming he was unaware of the cause. “It wasn’t me,” Trump said. “The system is a very good system. And it was perhaps turned down. I don’t even know. It hasn’t been proven to me that it was turned down.” He confirmed its restoration, adding, “I can tell you, ultimately, Elon Musk turned it back up.” The slowdowns had disrupted Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones, highlighting the critical role of Starlink in the conflict.
Criticizing the Biden administration’s approach to military aid, Trump argued that his policy of selling weapons to European nations for Ukraine was more effective. “And they’ve been very formidable, but they had the best weapons on earth, and we got nothing for it,” he said.
Sanctions and Trade Policies
Trump defended his decision to waive sanctions on Russian oil exports, framing it as a global necessity. “I made it possible for Russia to give, not us, but to the world, thousands and thousands of barrels of oil, of diesel, which it needed,” he explained. He clarified, “I didn’t lift diesel sanctions,” and emphasized that the move was not a favor to Russia but a response to global energy demands. Throughout the interview, Trump repeatedly boasted about his handling of the war, saying, “There’s been nobody that’s been tougher on Russia than me,” and cited his trade policies as evidence.
Leave a Reply