Trump asserts Ukraine's admission to NATO is implausible, reaffirming Crimea's status as Russian territory
President Trump Speaks Up About the Ukrainian Crisis and Crimea, in a Time Magazine Interview
Here's what you need to know about what the American leader had to say on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict:
The Issue of Crimea
Trump's stance on the Ukrainian crisis isn't shrouded in mystery - Crimea will remain Russian territory, plain and simple. "People keeps bringing up Crimea, Crimea will be with Russia," he declared, adding that everyone, including Volodymyr Zelenskyy, understands that Crimea's been locked up with the bear for some time now[1][2][3].
Ukraine and NATO
The President didn't mince words when it came to Ukraine's dreams of joining NATO. According to Trump, those aspirations were the metaphorical match that sparked the Ukrainian-Russian war. "Y'all started talkin' 'bout joinin' NATO, and holla holla, war's on the loose," he quipped[1][3]. Trump's implicit message was clear - Ukraine might as well forget about becoming a part of the alliance.
Negotiating the Conflict
The American commander-in-chief reported that his negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict are going swimmingly. "We're almost there, deal's almost done," he boasted, adding that no one else could have crafted this deal[3]. The President did admit, however, that his claim about resolving the issue in a day was a bit of an exaggeration[3].
Future Relations with Ukraine and Russia
If a deal is inked, Trump is banking on the possibility of a thriving business relationship not only with Russia but also with Ukraine[3]. But even if a deal doesn't materialize, it seems Trump is content with working solely with Russia on the Ukrainian issue.
The Aftermath of Obama's Presidency
Trump pointed his finger at former President Barack Obama as the catalyst for the region's misfortunes. "Crimea's a goner, ever since Obama," Trump remarked, suggesting that the loss of Crimea isn't even worth discussing anymore due to its long-term annexation by Russia[3].
Sources:- [1] - Time Magazine- [2] - RIA "Novy Day"- [3] - CNN
- In a Time Magazine interview about the Ukrainian crisis, President Trump asserted that Crimea will remain Russia's territory, a point that Volodymyr Zelenskyy and others have come to understand given Crimea's current status.
- Regarding Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO, President Trump stated that these discussions were the spark that ignited the Ukrainian-Russian war.
- According to the President, negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict are progressing well, with a deal almost finalized, and he claims credit for his ability to craft such an agreement.
- In the future, President Trump envisions not only a business relationship with Russia but also with Ukraine, should a deal be made. However, he appears content with working solely with Russia on the Ukrainian issue regardless of whether a deal materializes. Furthermore, Trump blamed former President Barack Obama for the ongoing misfortunes in the region, suggesting that Crimea's annexation by Russia is a long-term reality and not worth revisiting.
