In his 'Person of the Year' interview published in Time's magazine, newly elected President Donald Trump has called Ukraine's use of US missiles on Russian soil 'crazy'. He also added that he “strongly disagrees,” suggesting that U.S. policy toward the Russia-Ukraine war could change dramatically.
“It's crazy what's happening. It's crazy. I strongly disagree with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why are we doing that? We're just escalating this war and making it worse. It shouldn't have may happen.” ” he said.
This came to light when outgoing President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light to use long-range missiles in Russia. However, this move was in response to the Russian deployment of 15,000 North Korean troops along the front.
While Trump was critical of Biden's decision, he said he would not abandon Ukraine. “I want to reach an agreement, and the only way you can reach an agreement is by not giving up,” he said.
He said he wanted a quick solution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and that he had a “very good plan” but did not want to share it. He said, “I think I have a really good plan to help, but if I start exposing that plan, it almost becomes a worthless plan.”
In any case, there are concerns in Ukraine that the “plan” to end things quickly could happen largely on Moscow's terms.
He said the loss of life in the conflict is “stunning,” noting: “I'm talking from both sides. It's really a mutual benefit to get this done.”
Russia has begun to advance faster than ever, and more violently, since the first weeks of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for global action stronger than sanctions against Russia as it launched 93 missiles and 200 drones at Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
“Another Russian missile attack on Ukraine. Cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. According to preliminary reports, 93 missiles were launched, including at least one North Korean missile. A total of 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by our country. Moreover, the Russians used almost 200 drones in this attack,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Asked if he had recently spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said: “I can't tell you. I can't tell you. It's just inappropriate.”
