In a Nov. 9 interview with 60 Minutes, President Donald Trump predicted that Ukraine will "end up with a little bit different shape" following the war. He expressed confidence that a deal is imminent ahead of trilateral peace negotiations scheduled for Nov. 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. The president stated, "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." His remarks follow a significant defeat for his Republican party in recent U.S. midterm elections.
Negotiations and Leadership Friction
Trump identified the personal animosity between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin as the primary obstacle to peace. When correspondent Ross Douthat noted that Zelensky’s feelings were understandable given the invasion, Trump countered by citing "great disrespect shown to Russia" during their first meeting. He refused to say which leader he trusted more, claiming he gets along with both but does not believe Putin is stringing him along. The administration also addressed technical disruptions affecting Ukraine’s military communications. A speed cap on Starshield service was implemented without warning in mid- October, disrupting the ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. Although service was later restored, no person has taken responsibility for the initial slowdown.
Trade Policy and Military Aid Criticism
The president defended his economic approach while criticizing previous aid strategies. He claimed that no one has been tougher on Russia than him, pointing to trade sanctions. When Douthat cited the recent waiver of sanctions on Russian oil exports, Trump clarified that he did not lift diesel sanctions but allowed Russia to supply thousands of barrels of oil to the world. He dismissed the hundreds of billions of dollars in military aid provided under former President Joe Biden as unreciprocated. Instead, he praised his policy of selling weapons to European nations who then transfer them to Ukraine. "We just gave weapon after weapon after weapon," Trump said, arguing that Ukraine had the courage to use the arms effectively. He concluded by stating that the United States received nothing in return for the extensive support provided during the earlier phase of the conflict.
