U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has ambitious plans to "remake the world" as he prepares to return to the White House on January 20, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday.
Medvedev made the statement on his Telegram channel, referencing Trump’s promises ahead of his inauguration, including a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022. Medvedev, currently the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, frequently echoes the Kremlin’s stance on international affairs.
Medvedev commented on several topics tied to Trump’s anticipated second term, such as Trump’s claim that he could quickly end the war in Ukraine and his suggestion that the U.S. should acquire Greenland. He labeled these ideas as part of "Trumpian political geography," calling them unrealistic.
On Wednesday, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s designated Ukraine peace envoy, told Fox News that Trump aims to end the Ukraine war within 100 days of taking office. "Trump is focused on saving Ukraine and preserving its sovereignty," Kellogg said, adding that the former president seeks an equitable resolution.
Efforts to facilitate peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow have occurred periodically since the conflict began. However, Russia demands Ukraine recognize its annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions following controversial referendums in September 2022, deemed illegal by most of the international community. Additionally, Moscow insists Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join NATO.
Conversely, Ukraine maintains that any peace agreement must invalidate Russia’s annexations and restore its territorial integrity, including reclaiming Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014. Ukraine views NATO membership as essential to its long-term security.
Perspectives on Trump’s Strategy
Kellogg told Fox News: "This is a war that needs to end. Trump isn’t seeking to appease Putin or Russia. His focus is on saving Ukraine and ensuring a fair and viable solution. I believe progress can be made within 100 days."
Medvedev expressed skepticism on Thursday, remarking, "Trump's plans to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and reshape global dynamics seem more like pipe dreams. The U.S. economy has its own challenges, and other domestic issues offer limited opportunities for quick wins. His vision of a new 'Trumpian political geography' is bold but entirely unrealistic."
What Lies Ahead
The possibility of Trump brokering a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia remains uncertain. Kellogg has postponed any diplomatic travel to Ukraine until after Trump’s inauguration, signaling that substantive efforts may not begin until the new administration is officially in place.
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