January 1, Trump Eyes Putin Talks as Zelenskyy Stands Firm

Wyatt’s Take

• Trump says he’s ready to negotiate directly with Putin to end Ukraine war.
• Zelenskyy refuses to give up land, calling Putin untrustworthy.
• There’s little hope for real peace if both sides won’t budge.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce says the president is set to step in and end the Ukraine conflict.

“The point is that the killing has to end,” she said. “And if there’s anybody who can confront and deal with and manage Putin, it is Donald Trump.”

Still, questions remain about who would control these negotiations. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, refuses to take part in talks with Putin, worried that Moscow’s real goal is to deceive America.

At a recent news conference about the D.C. police, Trump kept expectations in check.

When Trump stands tough on Moscow, sanctions are promised but rarely fully delivered. Past deadlines have come and gone without results.

Since the invasion, Putin sits alone on the world stage, still launching fierce attacks on Ukraine. The Russians continue bombing, and civilians suffer while leaders debate peace.

Zelenskyy is clear that giving up land is both unconstitutional and a recipe for outrage at home. Still, a poll says 38% of Ukrainians would trade territory if it meant bringing peace.

Trump has tossed around the idea of swapping land, but Ukraine’s wins are shrinking and have come at a high cost.

It brings back memories of Crimea’s annexation, when outrage faded and life carried on as normal elsewhere.

Speaking about Putin, Trump said, “I’d have a great call with him and then missiles would be lobbed into Kyiv.”

“I’m going to be telling him to end this war.”

“I get along with Zelenskyy but I disagree with what he’s done.”

Trump says he’ll push to get some land back for Ukraine’s good and would know quickly if a deal could happen. If talks don’t work, “I may leave and say good luck.”

Negotiating with Putin on American soil without a firm deal seems risky. Face-to-face deals don’t always work—Trump’s meetings with Kim Jong-un didn’t change North Korea’s nukes.

He claims he wants both leaders in a room, but even if Zelenskyy agrees to meet, he won’t reward Russian aggression. Russia will not win land just by force, according to Zelenskyy.

Security guarantees will matter more than any handshake. Otherwise, any peace would be shaky, letting Russia prepare for more war down the line.

It’s a brutal, drawn-out war that started with a dictator denying a nation’s right to exist.

Don’t sit on the sidelines—Americans have a stake in what comes next. Make sure your voice is heard.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland families know peace takes bold action and true grit. Shortcuts and false promises won’t stop tyranny or protect America’s interests.

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