CurrentReport Blog US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting that Ukraine could eventually become part of Russia. During a discussion on efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, Trump stated, “They (Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday.”
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the future of Ukraine and US involvement in the conflict. The President also emphasized the importance of a return on investment for US aid to Ukraine, even proposing a potential trade deal for Kyiv’s rare earth minerals.
These comments are likely to please the Kremlin, which has already annexed four Ukrainian regions since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, echoed Trump’s statement, claiming that parts of Ukraine have always desired to be part of Russia. He further claimed that the annexed regions were legitimized by a controversial referendum held in 2023.
Peskov stated, “A significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia, and the fact that it has already become Russia is undeniable,” adding that many citizens in occupied territories voted to join Russia despite the risks.
When Russia launched its invasion in February 2022, it initially expected to capture the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, within days, with plans to take control of the country in weeks. However, the war is now entering its fourth year, with Moscow still controlling roughly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, despite facing significant resistance from Ukrainian forces.
The 2023 referendum, which was condemned internationally, included regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson in an attempt to validate Russia’s territorial claims.
Trump’s comments and Kremlin’s support have further fueled the ongoing international debate surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war and the complex political dynamics at play. As the war continues into its fourth year, the future of Ukraine remains uncertain amid continued global attention and military support.
