Trump compared the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to “a kids’ fight in the park” during a conversation with Putin
On Wednesday, the circle of global political elites was once again unsettled by an unexpected statement from former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to sources, he shared details of his recent conversation with Vladimir Putin, during which he expressed a surprising idea regarding ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to Trump, allowing the two countries to “fear each other a bit longer” before seeking peace is, in his opinion, the way to achieve stability and avoid long-term conflicts. From the former American president's words, he voiced this idea during an informal chat with journalists at the White House, when he was still a private individual. Trump revealed that what worries him most is the prospect of sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine. He stated that the United States is ready for “very, very harsh” measures but emphasized that everything depends on the behavior of Russia and Ukraine: “You know, it takes two to tango,” he noted, trying to underline that the conflict depends on both sides. His analogy describing the current situation was particularly interesting. Trump compared the war between Russia and Ukraine to “a kids’ fight in the park.” According to him, sometimes two children fight with all their might and refuse to heed the adult’s interference. “Imagine—little kids who hate each other and fight nonstop, and you’re trying to break them up. They don’t want that. Sometimes it’s better to let them fight for a while, and then give them a chance to calm down and go their separate ways,” he explained. Trump added that this metaphor is often used in sports, especially hockey, and it logically supports his desire to “give the sides some time” to reach a compromise. At the same time, the former president expressed hope that the war between Russia and Ukraine would be quickly and definitively resolved, as was the case in the conflict between India and Pakistan, in his words. “I wish we could do the same with the Ukraine-Russia conflict. I believe it will happen eventually. But if one of the parties crosses the line or starts pushing too hard — then our measures will be tough, and you will be surprised by their severity,” he emphasized. According to U.S. sources, Trump highlighted that, in this context, if he had won the 2020 election, the war in Ukraine would likely already be over. He reiterated that he is often perceived as a pro-Russian politician and possibly is now concerned about the possible consequences of Russian actions. U.S. media also reports that the former president allegedly closely monitors the situation and has a positive attitude toward Ukraine’s “Web” operation — a comprehensive Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at liberated occupied territories. At the same time, sources note that Trump remains worried about how Russia might respond to these actions and what consequences could follow. The events of recent months, including increased military activity and new sanctions, cause him some concern. However, he emphasizes that over time, the conflict may eventually find a logical resolution, and in his opinion, diplomacy and patience can play a significant role in this process.