In his first post-White House interview, former President Donald Trump urged an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin should never have initiated the invasion. Speaking with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Trump estimated a staggering combined casualty count of 1.55 million soldiers from both sides, describing the devastating impact on cities and human lives.
A kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska, Ukraine, damaged by shelling (Press Service of the Joint Forces Operation/Handout via REUTERS).
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden, suggesting his energy policies empowered Putin and contributed to the war's outbreak. While acknowledging Putin's responsibility, Trump emphasized the need for a swift resolution. He reiterated his call for a negotiated settlement, threatening economic repercussions against Russia if an agreement isn't reached soon. Trump referenced a Truth Social post where he warned of potential taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian goods.
Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting (Photo by ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images).
Trump also stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to negotiate, suggesting Zelenskyy regrets his decision to engage in conflict. Trump maintained he could have easily brokered a deal, implying Zelenskyy's choice to fight led to the current situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting troops (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP).
Citing a November Reuters report, Trump noted Putin's apparent willingness to discuss a peace plan, potentially involving freezing the conflict's current boundaries. The report indicated Moscow's opposition to Ukraine joining NATO or hosting NATO troops.
Memorial in Kyiv with Ukrainian flags representing war casualties (Simon Owen/Fox News).
Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, previously stated his aim to resolve the war within 100 days of a potential Trump return to office.
