In a recent interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine could “become Russian someday.”
This comment has sparked concerns regarding Ukraine’s independence, as the country has been defending itself against a large-scale Russian invasion with Western support for nearly three years.
The discussion about ending the war came just before a scheduled meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, set for later in the week.
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“They (Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” Trump said.
Trump also highlighted the need for the US to gain something in return for its aid to Ukraine, proposing a deal that might involve Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
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These remarks might be welcomed by the Kremlin. Russia, since its invasion began, has illegally annexed four regions in Ukraine and is aiming for Ukraine’s total submission.
“A significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia, and the fact that it has already become Russia is (undeniable),” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday, when asked about Trump’s comments.