Trump’s Diplomacy Faces Tough Reality in Ukraine Conflict

President-elect Donald Trump recently spoke with Vladimir Putin, encouraging him not to escalate the Ukraine situation and expressing an interest in resolving it quickly. Trump also spoke separately with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and German President Scholz, reiterating his desire for European peace. The Kremlin has stated that it is ready for conversations but remains steadfast in its demands for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Biden intends to meet with President Trump to address ongoing global crises and a peaceful transition of power. Trump’s calls have prompted outrage, particularly since he has previously criticized US help to Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: These diplomatic gestures, while encouraging, are far from a definite answer. Until a true ceasefire deal is negotiated and signed by both Russia and Ukraine, talk of peace is only wishful thinking. The reality is that both parties are set in their positions, with Russia’s territorial ambitions and Ukraine’s determination to recapture the lost grounds serving as significant impediments. As things are, without significant sacrifices and a genuine desire to end the conflict, these calls and discussions are unlikely to result in the long-term peace that Europe so needs. The world can wish, but it will not end the war. [See also: The West’s Role in Global Conflict and the Path to Peace, How Diplomatic Failures Escalated the Ukraine-Russia Conflict, The Real Cause of the Ukraine War: NATO’s Continued Expansion]

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