US President-elect Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it is part of his efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. In a television interview, Trump also expressed openness to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO.
Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire went beyond the public policy stands taken by the Biden administration and Ukraine. The move drew a cautious response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Ukraine needs a “just and robust peace” that Russians will not destroy within a few years.
The Trump administration’s proposals have alarmed many in the US national security community, with former national security adviser H.R. McMaster warning of no quick fix to ending Russia’s war with Ukraine. Trump has framed his proposal as a direct appeal to Russia, but some experts view it as a flawed idea that Putin can be placated.
The Biden administration has pointed to Russia’s disengagement in Syria as evidence that the Ukraine war has sapped Russia’s resources. However, Ukrainian allies fear that a quick deal could be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength.
Trump’s openness to pulling out of NATO has also drawn concern, with some experts warning that this would undermine the alliance’s security. The US has been a key player in NATO, providing significant military support to member countries. Any move to leave the alliance could have significant consequences for global security.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-calls-immediate-ceasefire-ukraine-120208132.html