We have to get used to it. Every time we Donald Trump makes public statements, his intervention inevitably becomes subject of debate and controversy. In a long interview given to Fox News, the US president raised the possibility that, in the absence of a peace agreement, Ukraine could be “incorporated” by Russia, at least part of the country. Certainly reassuring words for Zelensky and the Ukrainian citizens, who are preparing to "celebrate" three years of war soon.
So, after having caused a lot of stir with the idea of the “Gaza Riviera"- with the expulsion of the Palestinians and an American control of the area – Trump continues to stir up international discussion also on theanother warm front which he had promised to close.
Trump: “Ukraine could become Russian”
Trump stated bluntly: “TheUkraine could be Russian one day“, raising doubts about Ukrainian sovereignty and echoing a vision that would see Moscow absorbing the country. But his words are not limited to an abstract geopolitical vision, but are rooted in a practical context, linked to the huge US economic investments in the conflict. According to Trump, Washington has spent “hundreds of billions of dollars” to support Kiev. “They might make a deal, they might not make a deal. They might be Russian one day, or they might not be,” he explained, leaving the door open to a solution that could even include “reunification” with Russia, in the event of a no-deal.
Trump's Request: $500 Billion in Rare Earths
The President then shifted attention to the Ukraine's natural resources issue, especially the Rare lands. “They have land that is of enormous value in terms of rare earths, in terms of oil and gas, in terms of other things. VI want our money to be protected“, Trump stressed, revealing a pragmatic position on economic aid. According to him, The United States has invested over $350 billion in Ukraine, against approximately 100 billion from the European countries. And, for this reason, Trump Does Not Rule Out Claiming Compensation.
"I want the equivalent of $500 billion in rare earths“, he declared with conviction. Trump said that he had already presented this request to the Ukrainian government, and added that Ukraine “substantially acquiesced”. The president explained that he told them that “we have to get something, we can’t keep paying this money.”
Trump said his administration has accomplished “enormous progress” in seeking to end the conflict in Ukraine, adding that they are negotiations are underway with both the Russians and the Ukrainians. Meanwhile, the American envoy Keith Kellogg to arrive in Kiev on February 20, while the Vice President J.D. Vance will meet Ukrainian President Zelensky in Munich.
Kremlin agrees: “Part of Ukraine wants to be Russian”
Le Trump's words did not go unnoticed in Moscow. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, he promptly responded, referring to the annexation of the four Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson – by Russia in 2022. Peskov said that “a significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia“, arguing that, although the annexations are not recognized internationally, the local populations of these areas have clearly expressed the desire to be part of the Russian Federation.
Trump's statements, therefore, seem align with the Russian vision, which sees these lands as an integral part of Russia, in a process that, according to Moscow, is now irreversible.
Trump on Hamas: “If they don’t return the hostages, all hell will break loose”
On the Middle Eastern front, Trump launched a Harsh warning to Hamas over Israeli hostage issueThe President requested that all hostages must be returned by Saturday still in the hands of the group, threatening serious consequences if this deadline was not respected. "If they are not all returned, not in small groups - he declared - it will be the end of the truce and all hell will break loose".
In addition to these threatening words, Trump spoke of the possibility of suspend economic aid to countries such as Jordan and Egypt, if they do not take in Palestinian refugees fleeing the Gaza Strip. A plan that has drawn criticism from the international community, but which Trump has defended as part of his vision for resolving the crisis.
