Trump pledges to end Russia-Ukraine war, ensure peace
In an interview with PTI, Curtis emphasized that resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict must involve consequences for Russia’s actions. He stated, “I would just simply say that it needs to be done in a way that Russia faces some consequences for its actions.” Curtis highlighted the importance of holding Russia accountable while seeking a diplomatic resolution. He suggested that any peace agreement should not come at the cost of undermining international laws or allowing aggressive actions to go unpunished. The statement reflects a cautious approach to ending the conflict while ensuring that justice and accountability are maintained.
Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to focus his administration on ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing the need to stop the violence and prevent further loss of life. In his first major public appearance since his electoral victory on November 5, Trump spoke passionately about his plans during a gala for the America First Policy Institute at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thursday. The speech was a clear indication of the foreign policy priorities his administration intends to pursue, including efforts to bring peace to the Middle East and to address the conflict in Ukraine.
During the event, Trump expressed deep concern over the ongoing war, particularly the devastating toll on human lives. He referenced a recent report stating that thousands of people had been killed over the previous days, noting that the casualties included both soldiers and civilians. “Russia and Ukraine’s got to stop. I saw a report today.Thousands and thousands of people were killed. The President-elect’s remarks underscored his desire for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a broader resolution to the conflict.
Trump’s administration, as he reiterated during the gala, will prioritize efforts to end the war and reduce the financial and military strain it places on US resources. He has often characterized the ongoing conflict as a drain on American resources, particularly in terms of the military aid and support provided to Ukraine. Trump has consistently voiced his skepticism about the long-term benefits of continued US involvement in the war and has suggested that a diplomatic solution, with a focus on de-escalation, is essential for the future.
Meanwhile, Lisa Curtis, who served as Deputy Assistant to Trump and Senior Director for South and Central Asia on the National Security Council during his previous term, offered insight into the complexities of ending the war in Ukraine. In an interview with PTI, Curtis highlighted the importance of finding a resolution that would not only end the conflict but also ensure that Russia faces consequences for its actions. She noted that the war must conclude in a way that does not set a dangerous precedent for other countries contemplating illegal invasions.
Curtis stressed that while the war’s end is necessary, it should be handled in a way that prevents future aggression by Russia or other adversaries. “It needs to be done in a way that Russia faces some consequences for its actions,” Curtis stated. She also cautioned that any resolution must deter other nations from illegally invading their neighbors, an issue of particular importance to the US, especially given ongoing tensions with countries like China and North Korea. “It needs to be done in a way that doesn’t encourage other US adversaries to try to illegally invade their neighbor’s territory,” Curtis added. As a Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Programme at the Center for a New American Security think tank, Curtis’s views carry significant weight in foreign policy circles.
Trump’s remarks and Curtis’s analysis shed light on the challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine while addressing broader geopolitical concerns. As President-elect, Trump is likely to face intense pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders to balance his desire to end the war with the need to maintain international norms and safeguard global stability. The administration’s approach will have significant implications for US foreign policy, particularly in Europe and the broader international community.
In addition to his remarks on Ukraine, Trump also used the occasion to highlight his upcoming appointments, showcasing some of the key figures who will shape his second term. He praised Tesla owner Elon Musk, who is set to lead the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role aimed at streamlining and modernizing government functions. Trump also singled out Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who will work alongside Musk to tackle inefficiencies in federal agencies.
The President-elect also expressed his admiration for Tulsi Gabbard, the Hindu-American former congresswoman, who has been chosen to lead the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) office. Gabbard’s appointment signals Trump’s commitment to bringing a diverse set of voices and perspectives to his administration, particularly in areas of national security and intelligence. Her role as DNI Director will be crucial in shaping the US’s intelligence capabilities, especially in counterterrorism and cybersecurity efforts.
As Trump’s administration begins to take shape, his foreign policy and national security priorities will be closely scrutinized. The challenges of navigating complex international conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, will require careful diplomacy and strategic decision-making. With the appointments of influential figures like Musk, Ramaswamy, and Gabbard, Trump is signaling his intent to take a bold approach to governance, focusing on efficiency, reform, and a more assertive stance on global issues.