US President’s Statement Raises Concerns Over Ukraine’s Sovereignty Amid Ongoing War
Washington DC [US], February 12: US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting that Ukraine “may be Russian someday,” casting doubt on the war-torn country’s independence as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. His comments, made during an interview with Fox News, come ahead of a crucial meeting between Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week.
Trump’s Statement and Its Implications
In the interview, Trump, who has frequently questioned US financial and military support for Ukraine, implied that the country’s future remains uncertain.
“They (Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” he said, further adding that he wants a “return on investment” for US aid to Ukraine. Trump suggested that Ukraine should offer valuable resources such as rare earth minerals in exchange for continued assistance.
CNN reported that Trump’s remarks could be seen as a diplomatic victory for Russia, as they align with the Kremlin’s long-standing rhetoric on Ukraine. Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded positively, stating that “a significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia.”
Russia’s Attempted Annexation and Ukraine’s Resistance
Since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—through a controversial referendum widely dismissed as illegitimate by international observers. Despite early expectations of a swift Russian takeover, Ukraine has managed to resist, with Russian forces currently occupying only about one-fifth of the country.
Backlash and Global Responses
Trump’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from international leaders and US officials. The Biden administration maintains that US support for Ukraine is based on defending sovereignty and opposing territorial aggression.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, rejected the idea of Russian control over Ukraine, asserting that “Russia cannot draw benefit from its war in Ukraine.” He added that the “perfect scenario would be Ukraine regaining all its occupied land.”
Trump’s Perspective on US Aid to Ukraine
Trump also reiterated his belief that US assistance should come with economic benefits, stating:
“I told them that I want the equivalent, like USD 500 billion of rare earth, and they’ve essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don’t feel stupid.”
This stance highlights Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, in contrast to Biden’s emphasis on democracy and international alliances.
The Road Ahead
As European leaders prepare to meet senior Trump administration officials in Munich this week, the international community will be closely watching how Trump’s statements influence diplomatic relations and ongoing US-Ukraine support.
With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of resolution, Trump’s latest remarks add another layer of uncertainty to the global geopolitical landscape.