Edith Hejberg
Meinl-Reisinger warned that Putin’s increasingly ruthless tactics reflect a desperate push to secure gains before Russia’s resources are depleted.
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly proposed handing over part of Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to halt the ongoing war. The claim was made by Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who said Trump’s offer was rejected.
A Bold Proposition to End the Conflict
According to Meinl-Reisinger, Trump suggested ceding Crimea and several eastern regions of Ukraine to Moscow.
The proposal was meant as a peace offering, but it failed to sway the Kremlin.
NATO Membership Also on the Table
Trump’s offer reportedly included a pledge to block Ukraine’s future membership in NATO, an alliance Russia has long opposed. Still, Putin showed no interest in negotiating under those terms.
Kremlin’s Response: More War, Not Peace
Rather than taking the deal, Putin chose to push forward with his military campaign. “President Trump handed Crimea and several eastern regions to Putin on a silver platter… and what has Putin done? He is continuing the war of attrition,” Meinl-Reisinger said in a recent interview.
Mounting Costs for Russia
The Austrian minister highlighted the staggering toll the war is taking on Russia. With growing battlefield losses and an economy under pressure, Putin is nonetheless doubling down, aware that time may not be on his side.
A Strategy of Brutality
Meinl-Reisinger warned that Putin’s increasingly ruthless tactics reflect a desperate push to secure gains before Russia’s resources are depleted. “At some point, the coffins in Russia will start piling up,” she noted grimly.
Trump Allies Say Peace Is Still Possible
Fred Fleitz, a former adviser to Trump, believes the president could still broker an end to the war by exerting enough pressure on Moscow. However, he admits that any resolution might take years if current efforts continue at the same pace.
The Clock Is Ticking
As the war drags on, Fleitz emphasized the importance of urgency. Despite confidence in Trump’s negotiating skills, he acknowledged that quick results are unlikely unless there’s a shift in approach.
A Bold Prediction from the White House
Steve Witkoff, the White House’s special envoy, struck a more optimistic tone. He claimed that Trump would end the war before the conclusion of his term in January 2029, though details on how remain scarce.
Peace Still Elusive as War Rages On
Despite behind-the-scenes diplomacy and bold predictions, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of ending. Putin appears committed to a drawn-out conflict, while Western leaders debate how best to counter his aggression, and whether Trump’s proposals can truly bring peace.
