After returning to the White House, newly elected US President Donald Trump will take a significantly more “hawkish” stance on the war in Ukraine than he did during his campaign, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at the Global Forum in New York, according to Fortune.
During the US elections, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the war “in 24 hours,” but details of his plan have been scarce. Recent reports suggest his approach may involve freezing the war along current front lines and establishing a demilitarized zone, pressuring Ukraine to make territory concessions, and delaying NATO membership for at least 20 years.
At the same time, Pompeo says that Trump’s position on Russia will be tougher during his presidency.
“President Trump is not going to allow Vladimir Putin to roll through Ukraine. Withdrawing funding from the Ukrainians would result in that and he will be told that by his entire team,” he said.
Pompeo added that allowing such a scenario is “not Trump’s style.” The former US Secretary of Statealso expressed hope that the Trump would understand the need for a firm Western stance in this war.
“It’s absolutely critically important that the perception is the West stood up to this thug and this horrible guy (Putin) and didn’t allow evil to triumph and that’s imperative,” Pompeo said.
Earlier, media reports said that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were set to meet in Paris to discuss strategies for maintaining support for Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office.
The officials will explore whether President Joe Biden can be convinced to authorize Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles deeper into Russian territory.
Related:
- The Telegraph: Trump eyes 1,000-km buffer zone in Ukraine, guarded by EU and British forces
- Reuters: Trump team disavows advisor’s stance on Ukraine territorial concessions for peace
- Biden: NATO allies split over Ukraine’s long-range strikes inside Russia
- ISW: West may underestimate benefits of long-range strikes for Ukraine