Former US President Donald Trump has made a bold claim that he could have negotiated a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within a single day – but admitted he never once met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during his presidency.
In a recent interview, Trump stated, "I would have had a deal done within 24 hours. I know Putin very well, and I would have told him, 'You can't do this.'" The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, where Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its third year.
Trump's Unfulfilled Diplomatic Claims
The ex-president, who frequently boasts of his rapport with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, suggested his personal relationship could have prevented the war entirely. "We wouldn't have had this mess if I were still in office," Trump declared.
However, critics were quick to point out the apparent contradiction in Trump's statement – while claiming he could broker peace, he never actually engaged directly with Zelensky beyond a controversial 2019 phone call that led to his first impeachment.
The Shadow of Past Controversies
Trump's comments revive memories of his tumultuous dealings with Ukraine during his presidency. His infamous demand for "a favour" from Zelensky – asking Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden's son – became central to impeachment proceedings alleging abuse of power.
Political analysts note that Trump's latest remarks appear more focused on bolstering his 2024 election campaign than offering substantive solutions to the current conflict. "This is classic Trump rhetoric," said one foreign policy expert. "Big claims with little evidence, designed to portray himself as the only leader who can fix complex international crises."
As the war in Ukraine continues with no end in sight, Trump's unverified assertions about his negotiating prowess add another layer to the ongoing debate about America's role in the conflict and the potential paths to peace.
