In a dramatic press conference held alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on April 24, US President Donald Trump characterized Russia’s decision not to attempt a complete takeover of Ukraine as a “pretty big concession,” framing the restraint as a positive signal in the ongoing peace negotiations. The comments mark Trump’s most candid appraisal yet of the behind-the-scenes efforts to end the two-year war in Eastern Europe.

“Stopping the war… Stop taking the whole country, pretty big concession,” Trump remarked when asked what Moscow was offering in the negotiations. His remarks suggest that the Kremlin’s willingness to settle for partial territorial control – rather than a full-scale occupation – is being interpreted by Washington as a diplomatic opening.

The US president now returned to office after the 2024 election, emphasized optimism for a breakthrough in the near future. “We could see major progress within two weeks,” Trump said, without offering specific benchmarks or conditions for a settlement. Yet his tone, unusually conciliatory toward Russia, underscores a significant shift in how the White House is approaching the long-stalemated conflict.

The Trump administration’s posture contrasts sharply with the approach taken by the Biden presidency, which had backed Ukraine with steady weapons shipments, sanctions on Russia, and firm public support for Kiev’s claims to all its territory. Trump, however, has long expressed skepticism about endless support for Ukraine and hinted at the possibility of territorial compromise.

Pressed........

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