Trump team's Ukraine forecasts dismissed as 'campaign bluster' – Reuters

The upcoming US administration is said to be preparing for a lengthy endeavor to negotiate an agreement with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com

Trump team's Ukraine forecasts dismissed as 'campaign bluster' – Reuters
The incoming US administration is reportedly preparing for a longer timeline to reach an agreement with Russia.

Donald Trump’s campaign claims to resolve the Ukraine conflict “in 24 hours” stemmed from “a combination of campaign bluster and a lack of appreciation of the intractability” of the situation, according to sources cited by Reuters on Wednesday.

Throughout his campaign, Trump asserted his capability to end the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, criticizing President Joe Biden for mishandling the crisis. However, insiders from the Trump team believe that the resolution process will take several months, as reported by the news agency. Reuters spoke with two individuals, who requested anonymity, and identified themselves as Trump associates involved in discussions regarding the issue.

This perspective is consistent with public statements made by future administration members. Keith Kellogg, appointed by Trump as a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, indicated on Fox News last week his goal to mediate a resolution within 100 days of Inauguration Day on January 20.

Trump expressed his frustration about having to wait until his inauguration to put his plans into action during a recent press conference at his Florida residence. When asked if he planned to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the first three to six months of his presidency, Trump stated that he hoped for such a meeting to be arranged “long before six months.”

At that same event, Trump acknowledged Russian concerns over NATO’s expansion in Europe, which Moscow has identified as a significant factor in the Ukraine conflict. He criticized the Biden administration for failing to negotiate effectively with Putin regarding this issue.

According to Reuters, Trump’s advisors largely support suggestions that would postpone Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO for the foreseeable future and advocate for a ceasefire along existing battle lines. They also propose the deployment of European troops to monitor a potential demilitarized zone.

The Kremlin has reacted positively to Trump’s acknowledgment of Russian national concerns. However, Moscow is seeking a durable solution that would address the broader European security architecture. Officials have indicated that they will not accept an agreement that merely freezes the conflict, allowing Kiev time to rebuild its military for future confrontations, as occurred with the Minsk Agreements from 2014-2015.

Allen M Lee for TROIB News