Mar-a-Lago – In a powerful address at a gala hosted by the America First Policy Institute, President-elect Donald Trump made a bold promise to prioritize ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and to work diligently toward achieving peace in West Asia. This marked his first significant speech following his unexpected victory in the November 5 presidential elections. During his remarks, Trump expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Ukraine, lamenting the loss of life in the conflict. “Russia and Ukraine’s got to stop. I saw a report today. Thousands of people over the last three days were killed,” he stated, emphasizing that both soldiers and civilians are affected by the turmoil. “Whether they’re soldiers or they’re people sitting in towns, we’re going to work on it,” he added.
Trump reiterated his administration’s focus on addressing the conflict, framing it as a critical issue that drains U.S. resources through military aid to Ukraine. His intention to facilitate peace in the region aligns with his broader campaign promises aimed at redefining U.S. foreign policy. Lisa Curtis, a former deputy assistant to Trump and a senior director for South and Central Asia on the National Security Council from 2017 to 2021, echoed the need for a resolution that holds Russia accountable for its actions. “It needs to be done in a way that Russia faces some consequences for its actions,” Curtis told PTI, stressing the importance of deterring future aggression from Russia and other countries.
Curtis acknowledged Trump’s past favorable remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding how the incoming administration will navigate the complex dynamics of the conflict. “We haven’t seen yet how he’s going to do that,” she noted. As the gala unfolded, Trump also spotlighted several key figures who will play significant roles in his second term, including Tesla owner Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom are expected to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Additionally, Trump expressed his support for Tulsi Gabbard, a Hindu-American and his choice for Director of National Intelligence. With tensions running high in Ukraine and ongoing instability in West Asia, Trump’s commitment to peace and strategic foreign policy may shape the direction of U.S. involvement in these regions in the coming years. As the new administration prepares to take office, the world watches closely for concrete actions that will follow these ambitious pledges.