Former President Donald Trump is urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine through negotiation, suggesting increased economic pressure if a resolution isn't reached. Trump, referencing his "peace through strength" approach, has stated his intention to bring global conflicts to an end, now focusing on the nearly three-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump warned of potential "high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions" on Russian goods entering the United States if the conflict continues. This comes amid reports of growing concerns within Russia about the economic impact of the prolonged war.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, sees this as a crucial moment for decisive action. She stresses the need for robust international security guarantees in any peace agreement to protect Ukraine and uphold democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of thwarting Putin's geopolitical ambitions.
Matviichuk, in an interview, highlighted the necessity of not just ending the war but also preventing Putin from achieving his strategic objectives, asserting that the Russian leader is not genuinely interested in peace. She advocates for a peace process that effectively blocks Putin's broader geopolitical goals.
Trump has indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to negotiate. In a recent interview, Trump stated Zelenskyy has "had enough," while also criticizing him for not pursuing a deal sooner. Although condemning Putin's actions, Trump also remarked that Zelenskyy is "no angel."
Reports suggest Putin is open to discussions about a peace plan, potentially agreeing to a ceasefire along the current front lines. Since the invasion began in 2022, Ukrainian civilians have faced immense challenges, living with constant uncertainty. Matviichuk, based in Kyiv, has been documenting Russian war crimes, compiling a record of approximately 80,000 incidents. She firmly states the Ukrainian people's desire to live in a world governed by democracy, rule of law, and freedom, rejecting Putin's vision.
