Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Venezuela
    • China
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • 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, Russia, Ukraine

Three months, two thousand meters: a snapshot of the War in Ukraine

By Gil Barndollar

December 3, 2025

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

Moscow talks expose the fantasy of a fair peace deal

By Jennifer Kavanagh

December 3, 2025

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

The Trump administration’s proposal for the war in Ukraine is its latest half-baked plan

By Daniel DePetris

November 25, 2025

Sanctions, Ukraine‑Russia

Do oil sanctions still work?

By Rosemary Kelanic

November 24, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Diplomacy, Europe and Eurasia

U.S., Ukraine agree to change draft of peace plan that Russia favored

Featuring Dan Caldwell

November 23, 2025

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

Trump’s secret plan for Russia and Ukraine has one enormous flaw

By Daniel DePetris

November 19, 2025

Events on Ukraine-Russia

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

Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

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

Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

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

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.

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