Donald Trump has once again stirred international concern with his latest comments about the war in Ukraine, telling The Atlantic in an interview published on April 28 that Ukraine could be “crushed very quickly” by Russia’s military force, which he described as an “immense war machine.”
“I think I’m saving that country. I think that country would be crushed very quickly. It’s a big war machine. I believe I’m doing Ukraine a great service,” Trump said.
While Trump claims his stance is a form of protection for Ukraine, his words come amid growing fears that his administration could push Kyiv into a peace deal seen as unfavorable, possibly including recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and other major concessions.
The White House, through Vice President JD Vance, confirmed on April 28 that peace talks have made “some progress”, though no final agreement is guaranteed. This has raised alarm among European allies and Ukraine itself, with worries that Washington’s leverage might be used to force compromises detrimental to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On the ground, however, the picture diverges from Trump’s portrayal. According to The Kyiv Independent, Russia’s renewed spring offensive, launched in early April, has achieved only limited territorial gains, with no imminent collapse of Ukrainian defenses reported.
Despite intensified Russian attacks, Ukrainian resistance remains intact, suggesting that Trump’s dire predictions might not reflect the true strategic dynamics of the war.
