Former US President Donald Trump has made a startling claim, suggesting that the war in Ukraine could have been avoided if he had sold the Donetsk region to Russia during his presidency. The controversial statement, made during a recent interview, has drawn widespread criticism and disbelief from political analysts and diplomats.
Trump's Unconventional Proposal
Trump argued that by offering Donetsk to Russia as part of a "deal," the conflict in Ukraine might never have escalated. "It could have been resolved easily," he claimed, without providing further details on how such a transaction would have been legally or ethically justified.
International Backlash
The remarks have been met with sharp rebukes from Ukrainian officials and Western allies. Many have labelled the idea as reckless and a violation of international law, emphasising that Ukraine's territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Historical Context
Donetsk, a region in eastern Ukraine, has been a focal point of the conflict since 2014 when Russian-backed separatists declared independence. The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction.
Political Reactions
Critics have accused Trump of undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and playing into Russia's hands. Meanwhile, some of his supporters have defended the statement as an example of his "outside-the-box" thinking.
The controversy adds to Trump's long history of contentious statements on foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine.
