A growing number of American right-wing figures are pushing back against Donald Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal, arguing that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “war criminal” who cannot be trusted. The backlash comes as Russian forces intensify their assault on Ukrainian cities, with devastating airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure.
U.S. and Russian officials recently met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible resolution to the ongoing war, marking the first direct negotiations between the two nations. However, European allies are concerned that Trump may concede to Moscow’s demands, including withdrawing U.S. troops from the Baltic states, potentially weakening NATO’s defensive position.
Republicans Turn on Trump Over Russia Talks
Despite Trump’s insistence that Putin is open to ending the war, prominent Republicans are voicing skepticism. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker condemned the idea of negotiating with the Kremlin, telling CNN:
“Putin is a war criminal who should be in jail for the rest of his life, if not executed.”
A congressional official echoed these concerns, stating that intelligence reports suggest Russia is not genuinely seeking peace. Another Western source told NBC that Putin remains confident in his military strategy, despite heavy Russian casualties.
Ukrainians Vow to Keep Fighting
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military leaders have dismissed Trump’s negotiations, vowing to continue their resistance. One commander told The Sun:
“We will fight until the last death. We have nothing to lose. We are not going anywhere.”
Despite Ukraine’s exclusion from the Saudi talks, Trump defended his approach, suggesting that elections should be held in Ukraine before any peace deal is finalized. Critics argue this could pave the way for Russian influence over Ukraine’s government.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Ukraine’s Destruction
Trump’s recent comments on the state of Ukraine have sparked outrage. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, he described the devastation caused by Russian attacks:
“You got most of the cities laying on their sides. The buildings are collapsed. It looks like a massive demolition site.”
He suggested that Russia could have caused even greater destruction, implying that their restraint had prevented further damage. He also dismissed Ukrainian leaders’ concerns about being left out of negotiations, stating:
“You should have ended it – three years, you should have never started it.”
Trump also hinted at supporting a European-led peacekeeping force but ruled out U.S. military involvement, stating, “We won’t have to put any over there, because, you know, we’re very far away.”
A High-Stakes Gamble
As Putin continues his military aggression, Trump’s approach to diplomacy is drawing criticism from both U.S. politicians and international allies. With Ukraine determined to fight on and NATO leaders wary of Trump’s concessions, the path to peace remains uncertain.