MOSCOW – Russia has noted a shift in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s stance toward the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling a potential new phase in U.S.-Russia relations. The Kremlin welcomed what it views as a growing recognition by Trump and his team of the “realities on the ground” in Ukraine, signaling a shift towards diplomacy as the conflict enters its third year.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed readiness to examine Trump’s plans for ending the war once he assumes office on January 20. Lavrov indicated that Moscow was encouraged by recent statements from Trump and his incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, which reflected a more pragmatic approach to the situation.
In particular, Waltz told ABC on Sunday that the war must ultimately be resolved through diplomatic means, acknowledging that the complete expulsion of Russian forces from Ukraine, including Crimea, was unrealistic. “President Trump has acknowledged that reality, and I think it’s been a huge step forward that the entire world is acknowledging that reality. Now let’s move forward,” Waltz said, referring to the situation on the ground.
This shift in rhetoric marks a departure from previous U.S. positions, which had insisted on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory. Trump’s recognition of Russia’s opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations has also drawn attention, with the incoming president stating that Moscow’s concerns over NATO expansion are understandable given Ukraine’s proximity to Russian borders.
Russia, which controls roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory following nearly three years of war, has maintained that any resolution to the conflict must reflect its territorial gains. In September 2022, Russia declared four Ukrainian regions, which it partially controls, as part of its own territory—a move that was widely condemned by the United Nations as an illegal annexation attempt.
In response to discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine, Lavrov stated that Russia was prepared to discuss such assurances for Ukraine, but only if Moscow’s own security concerns regarding its western borders with Europe are addressed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted that any security guarantees for Kyiv would need to come from the United States and that a ceasefire without these guarantees would only provide Russia time to rearm.
Zelenskyy remains a staunch advocate for Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership, which Russia firmly opposes and views as a primary reason for its military intervention. As concerns grow over Trump’s potential policy shifts, Ukrainian officials worry that his desire to swiftly end the conflict might lead to compromises that could diminish military support from the United States.
The conversation also turned to Trump’s controversial remarks last week regarding Greenland, with Lavrov addressing the president-elect’s suggestion that the U.S. might use military or economic action to acquire the territory. Lavrov responded by stating that the people of Greenland should have the right to self-determination if they felt that Denmark was not representing their interests.
As Trump prepares to take office, the international community is watching closely to see how his administration will handle these sensitive issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical concerns.