Republican Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States. Even before entering the presidential race, he promised to end the war if he won and made numerous statements about Ukraine.
Trump on "NATO Sponsorship"
In February 2024, Trump stated that as president he would allow Russia to destroy other NATO member countries.
"You didn’t pay, you’re the violators? No, I wouldn’t protect you. In fact, I would advise them to do whatever the hell they want. You need to pay. You must settle your bills," he said.
In September 2024, Trump criticized Europe for "insufficient" aid to Ukraine, but he was caught lying. According to data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, European countries provided significantly more assistance to Ukraine than the U.S.
Trump on Ukraine and Promises to End the War
In May 2024, the Republican promised to end the war in Ukraine in just one day.
"If I were president, I would end this war, and it would take 24 hours. I know Zelensky well. I know Putin well. I could finish it in that time... 100%," Trump stated in an interview.
Also, in June, Trump claimed that Ukraine would not win the war against Russia.
"Ukraine will not win this war. They are running out of people, they are running out of soldiers. They have lost so many people. They have lost those magnificent cities with golden millennia-old domes - all because of him (Biden) and the senseless decisions he made. Russia would never have attacked if I were president," the Republican shared.
Furthermore, during the first televised debates between Trump and former President Joe Biden in June, the Republican criticized Putin's ultimatums to Ukraine.
"They are unacceptable. Regarding Russia and Ukraine, if we had a real president, a president respected by Putin, he would never have invaded Ukraine," he said.
In addition, in June 2024, Trump stated that China, Russia, and North Korea would not be enemies if the U.S. were led by a "smart president."
"We have external enemies - China, Russia, North Korea. But they are not actually enemies if we had a smart president. They won't be enemies if we have a smart president; they will do wonderful things," the Republican said.
In July 2024, Trump once again promised to end the war in Ukraine and prevent World War III.
"Before I take the Oval Office, soon after we win the presidential election, I will resolve this terrible war between Russia and Ukraine. I am the only one who can make such a statement. I will help prevent World War III," he declared.
Also, in August 2024, in an interview with Breitbart News, the Republican claimed that he knows Putin well and only he can stop the war.
"I know both heads of state very well. I know President Putin very well. I want the killing to stop. There is death and destruction. They are destroying the very fabric of a certain part of the world. I want this to be a matter of negotiation and to be done," Trump shared.
Additionally, Trump commented on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in Kherson.
"Look at what is happening in Ukraine. They have poured into Russia. There will be a Third World War."
In September, Trump revealed how exactly he plans to end the war in Ukraine. He hinted that he intends to tackle high energy prices, which enable Russia to finance its military efforts.
"When Putin has a barrel at $100 - the war works. At $40 a barrel, it won't work at all," he stated.
After Trump became president of the United States for the second time, in his speech to voters on November 6, he promised to end all wars in the world, including in Ukraine.
"No more wars during my term. I am going to stop the war. There were no wars during my 4 years in office. Furthermore, we defeated ISIS."
Trump's Attitude Towards Putin
During a rally in Atlanta on August 3, Trump congratulated Putin on a massive prisoner exchange.
"I would like to congratulate Vladimir Putin on making another wonderful deal. We got our people back, but we made terrible, terrible agreements. It's nice to say that we got them back, but did we not set a bad precedent?" he said.
Additionally, in August, Trump told billionaire Elon Musk in an interview that the war in Ukraine began, in part, due to Biden's promises of NATO membership for Ukraine, but he tried to stop Putin.
"I told Putin - don't do it," the Republican shared.
In September, Trump told American journalist Mark Thiessen again that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would never have launched a full-scale war against Ukraine if he had been president.
"We would have talked about it; it was his dream, but he would never have gone for it with me," he said.
In October 2024, Trump claimed that he allegedly threatened Russian dictator Vladimir Putin with striking the center of Moscow if he decided to invade Ukraine, but did not specify when the conversation took place. At that time, the Republican said:
"I said: 'Vladimir, if you go into Ukraine, I will hit you so hard you won't even believe it. I'm going to strike the center of the f***ing Moscow.' I told him: 'We are friends. I don't want to do this, but I have no choice. They will hit you so hard they will take those f***ing domes right off your head.' Because he lives under domes."
Also in October, Trump stated that Putin warned him about the invasion of Ukraine.
"It was a gleam in his eye, he talked about it, but I said he wouldn't go for it," the Republican shared.
In November 2024, Trump responded to accusations that he is friends with Putin.
"They love to say that I am a friend of Russia, that I worked for Russia, that I am a Russian spy. These people are sick," Trump said indignantly.
Moreover, he added that it was he who "blocked the construction of the 'largest in the world' gas pipeline 'Nord Stream 2'."