Trump: Ukraine should let go of NATO aspirations, but Putin must also make concessions.

The United States will not ease anti-Russian sanctions until peace is achieved in Ukraine, stated Donald Trump.

“This will not happen now,” the US president responded to a journalist's question regarding whether the easing of sanctions against Russia would be discussed during negotiations concerning Ukraine.

According to Trump, his administration will address the issue of lifting sanctions only after an agreement regarding Ukraine has been reached:

“I want to first see if we can reach an agreement,” he said.

Additionally, during a conversation with journalists at the White House, the American president mentioned that Russia would have to make concessions to achieve peace in Ukraine.

“Yes, it will. It has to,” Trump emphasized in response to a question about whether Putin plans to soften his stance.

He also referred to Putin as a “smart, cunning person.”

“We will do everything we can to reach an agreement that is good for both sides,” Trump concluded, adding that he would strive to ensure the agreement “is good for Ukraine.”

At the same time, Trump noted that he cannot guarantee a peace treaty regarding Ukraine, as there are often “amazing things” that happen with agreements.

 “I think we will reach an agreement. I can’t guarantee it… Many amazing things happen with agreements, but I believe we will come to an understanding,” he stated.

The US president also reiterated his doubts about the necessity of providing American security guarantees to Ukraine, as he believes this should be handled by Europe.

“I am not going to give significant security guarantees because that is what Europe will do. They are their neighbors,” Trump said, assuring that the United States will ensure that “everything is fine” during the peace settlement in Ukraine.

Background. As reported, Trump stated that he does not plan to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. According to him, “our people will be on the ground,” and therefore “no one will mess with them.”