Trump Considers Halting Ukraine Peace Efforts, Accuses Europe of Prolonging Conflict
WASHINGTON – Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating withdrawing from diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the war between Russia and Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in his approach to the conflict. According to a report by Axios published Saturday, August 30, Trump intends to “sit and observe” until “one or both sides begin to show more adaptability.” A high-ranking White House official quoted in the report stated,”We will sit and observe. Let them turn a little more, we will see what will happen.”
This potential withdrawal comes amid growing frustration within trump’s orbit regarding European leadership’s handling of the conflict.American officials, as cited by Axios, increasingly view some European leaders as the primary impediment to a negotiated settlement, accusing them of undermining trump’s past and potential future peacekeeping efforts. The stakes are high, as a collapse in diplomatic engagement could prolong the devastating war and further destabilize the geopolitical landscape.
The Axios report details claims that while some European leaders publicly express support for Trump’s peace initiatives, they are simultaneously working to ”negate progress” achieved during his prior engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, specifically referencing a summit held in Alaska. White House staff are reportedly “losing patience” with European pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make “unrealistic territorial concessions” and reach a “best agreement.”
According to the American officials, Europe is prolonging the war and maintaining “unreasonable expectations” while relying on the United States to bear the financial burden. “Europeans cannot tighten this war and it is indeed playful to maintain unreasonable expectations, while hoping that America will incur expenses,” a White House employee reportedly said. “If Europe wants the escalation of this war, this is its business.But she will hopelessly tolerate defeat instead of victory.”