Trump Adviser on Diplomatic Shift in Ukraine Policy

A senior aide to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Bryan Lanza, emphasized that the new administration's focus will be on establishing peace in Ukraine rather than reclaiming lost territories, including Crimea. Lanza stated that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy insists on regaining Crimea as a condition for peace, he is not being realistic, and that Crimea is effectively 'gone.' This stance indicates a shift from military support to diplomatic engagement, urging Ukraine to present a 'realistic vision for peace' rather than a military victory. Zelenskiy, however, maintains that peace cannot be achieved without the expulsion of Russian forces and the return of all occupied territories. Despite this, the U.S. has been the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, providing substantial arms and equipment since 2022. Lanza's comments suggest a potential realignment of U.S. policy towards prioritizing diplomatic solutions over military involvement in the region.