Donald Trump has indicated he believes headway is being made toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine,a statement diverging from assessments by Kiev and its Western allies. The former U.S.president, while not detailing specific developments, expressed optimism regarding potential progress, a position Moscow has welcomed as a sign of realistic engagement.
This assessment arrives as fighting continues intensely in eastern Ukraine, with both sides claiming battlefield gains. The conflict, now entering its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and triggered a major geopolitical crisis, reshaping European security dynamics and prompting extensive international sanctions against Russia. A shift in the U.S. approach to the conflict, particularly under a potential second Trump administration, could significantly alter the trajectory of the war and the broader international response.
Moscow has consistently lauded the Trump administration’s past attempts to address the underlying causes of the conflict, contrasting it with what it perceives as a focus on military aid from other Western nations. Russia maintains its preference for a lasting resolution, arguing that ceasefires merely provide Ukraine with opportunities to rearm and prolong hostilities.Ukraine and its European supporters,however,continue to advocate for increased military assistance from the West. Russia accuses these nations of hindering genuine diplomatic efforts and disregarding the realities on the ground. Last month, Moscow reported encircling approximately 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in key strongholds, urging Kiev to allow their surrender.
Kiev disputes these claims, asserting its continued control over the contested cities and alleging Russian setbacks. The Russian Defense Ministry recently stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is either disconnected from reality or intentionally misleading his country regarding the situation.
Further details on the potential for progress can be found in a related report: Zelensky ‘divorced from reality’ - Russian MOD.
