Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
    • Israel-Iran
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine-Russia / Can Trump end war in Ukraine?
Ukraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

December 10, 2024

Can Trump end war in Ukraine?

By Charles Peña

On the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump promised more than once to end the war in Ukraine in one day. He even said that if elected, he would have “it settled before I even become president.”

Mr. Trump said: “I would tell Zelenskyy, no more [presumably weapons]. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don’t make a deal, we’re going to give him a lot [presumably weapons]. We’re going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to.”

Clearly, Mr. Trump’s threat to provide no more weapons to Ukraine is a powerful incentive for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to come to the negotiating table. At a minimum, stopping the flow of U.S. weapons would significantly degrade Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. In the most extreme case, it could mean Ukraine’s defeat.

Read at Washington Times

Author

Photo of Chuck Pena

Charles
Peña

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, NATO, Russia, Ukraine

NATO rose to the challenge and passed Russia’s test in Poland

By Daniel DePetris

September 16, 2025

op-edNATO, Europe and Eurasia, Russia

Poland’s drone scare is not grounds for Nato escalation

By Jennifer Kavanagh

September 12, 2025

op-edEurope and Eurasia, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

EU elites are finally waking up to the collapse of the world as they knew it

By Daniel DePetris

September 10, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

For Putin, bargaining and bombing aren’t mutually exclusive

By Jennifer Kavanagh

September 9, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

Daniel Davis assesses the potential for Russia-Ukraine peace on NewsNation

Featuring Daniel Davis

September 8, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Is the West fooling itself on Ukraine security guarantees?

By Daniel DePetris

September 3, 2025

Events on Ukraine-Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Past Virtual Event: A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved