[“Luggage Without a Handle”: Former Ukrainian FM Explains How Trump Views the War in Ukraine]

On May 5th, Vadym Prystaiko, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, stated in an interview with Radio Free Europe that for Donald Trump, the war in Ukraine is not a top priority; it’s more like a troublesome issue he inherited from his predecessor. The current U.S. administration, as well as previous ones, views Russia as a superpower, akin to the Soviet Union, and thus believes it cannot be defeated. They also believe there are certain red lines that, if crossed, would lead to the end of the world and World War Three.

Prystaiko explained, “So, massive arms supplies to Ukraine cannot happen. Only to a certain extent, just enough to allow us to control the situation. But no further. Because someone might press the nuclear button. As for Trump, his stance is even more radical.”

He said that for Trump, the war in Ukraine occupies only a small part of his list of priorities: “He doesn’t care about ending the war the way we do. This was something he inherited from Joe Biden, a very troublesome matter, like a piece of luggage without a handle, difficult to put down. But this is certainly not his top priority. He has other priorities.”

Prystaiko pointed out that it is necessary to understand that Trump's main focus is China: “In his mind, Russia, Ukraine, and this war are merely a trivial regional conflict in Europe, and Europe somehow can't deal with it. I have said countless times: ‘You sort it out over there. I have other problems. Three-quarters of my trade is with Asian countries, and there are always issues. China is on the rise.’ That is where his problem lies, not Ukraine.”

Trump said on April 4th that if the Kremlin cannot prove its readiness for peace talks, he may sign the bill proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham on imposing new sanctions on Russia. He also stated that any concessions made during peace negotiations would mean abandoning the entire Ukraine. “Because Russia wants all of Ukraine. If I hadn’t intervened, they would now be fighting for the whole of Ukraine. Russia is not satisfied with what it currently occupies. Russia wants all of Ukraine. If it weren’t for me, they would still be fighting.”

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831255925882956/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.