In a stark warning that signals a significant shift in US foreign policy, President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine could be “crushed very shortly” if it fails to engage in negotiations with Russia. In an interview published by The Atlantic on April 28, Trump emphasized that his administration’s efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kiev are not only crucial for regional stability but are aimed at “saving” Ukraine from total collapse.

The president’s comments come at a time when frustration is mounting in Washington over the stalled diplomatic efforts. Trump’s blunt remarks highlight a broader reassessment of American commitments abroad, especially following years of costly military and financial support to Ukraine under the Biden administration.

When asked if he sympathized with Ukraine, Trump did not offer the usual diplomatic platitudes. Instead, he delivered a sobering analysis of Ukraine’s situation. “I think I’m saving that nation. I think that nation will be crushed very shortly,” he said. “Russia has a big war machine. Let’s face it.”

Trump’s statement reflects a growing recognition in US policymaking circles that Ukraine’s military position has severely weakened. Despite billions of dollars in Western aid and equipment, Ukraine has struggled to regain lost territories and faces mounting shortages of manpower and ammunition. The president’s assessment underlines his belief that continued conflict without a viable diplomatic solution could spell disaster for Kiev.

The Trump administration has taken a notably different approach from its predecessor. Rather than offering unconditional support to Ukraine, Trump has focused on pushing for a negotiated settlement. Officials in Washington have confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, though progress remains slow.

Vice President J.D. Vance, a US Marine Corps veteran, echoed Trump’s concerns in a separate interview with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “If this doesn’t stop, the Ukrainians aren’t winning the war,” Vance warned. He added that it was “weird” and unrealistic to expect Russia to collapse as a result of the prolonged conflict.

The emerging consensus in the Trump administration is that an indefinite war benefits no one-not Ukraine, not Russia, and certainly not the United States. The administration’s goal is clear: end the war through diplomacy before Ukraine’s military is completely exhausted.

Beyond Trump and Vance, other high-ranking officials have voiced growing impatience with the slow pace of negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned last week that the United States might “walk away” from the talks altogether if progress is not made soon.

Rubio’s comments suggest that Washington is prepared to significantly recalibrate its approach, potentially reducing or even ending support for Ukraine if Kiev remains unwilling to compromise. Such a move would mark a dramatic reversal from the Biden-era policy of “support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Sources close to the administration suggest that Trump and his team believe Ukraine’s window of opportunity to negotiate favorable terms is rapidly closing. As Russia’s military consolidates its territorial gains and Ukraine’s forces falter, Washington sees less incentive to continue pouring resources into a conflict with diminishing prospects for a Ukrainian victory.

Moscow has repeatedly stated its willingness to engage in negotiations, provided they address the underlying causes of the conflict. The Kremlin opposes any proposals for temporary ceasefires, arguing that past truces were exploited by Ukraine and its Western allies to regroup and rearm.

In this context, Russia has indicated that it seeks a permanent resolution-one that likely includes recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, autonomy for the Donbas regions, and assurances that Ukraine will not join NATO. These demands are seen by many in Kiev as unacceptable, but Washington appears increasingly willing to entertain them as a basis for serious talks.

Last week, Trump hinted at this reality, telling reporters, “I think Russia is ready… I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky.” This comment underscores Trump’s view that the main obstacle to peace is not necessarily Moscow’s intransigence, but Kiev’s unwillingness to make concessions.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has publicly rejected key parts of the US peace framework, particularly any agreement that would involve recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. His stance complicates the Trump administration’s efforts to broker a deal, but it also risks isolating Ukraine further if American patience wears thin.

While the primary focus remains on ending the conflict, economic considerations are not far from Washington’s mind. The Trump administration is actively seeking to secure a minerals extraction agreement with Kiev as part of the broader negotiations. Such a deal would allow the US to recoup some of the billions spent under the Biden administration by gaining access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements.

Officials argue that this is a pragmatic move that would benefit both nations economically. However, critics warn that pushing Ukraine into a settlement primarily for economic gain could undermine the country’s sovereignty and long-term stability.

President Trump’s warning that Ukraine could be “crushed” without negotiations marks a major inflection point in the war and in US foreign policy. For the first time in years, Washington is signaling that its support for Kiev is not unconditional and that diplomacy-not endless warfare-must take precedence.

Whether Ukraine’s leadership heeds Trump’s advice remains to be seen. But the message from Washington is clear: time is running out. If Kiev refuses to come to the table, it risks losing not just the war, but also the crucial support of its most powerful ally.

In Trump’s eyes, saving Ukraine means convincing it to accept reality-and to negotiate before it’s too late.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings