Donald Trump discusses shifting Russian priorities and implications for Syria and Ukraine
In a recent social media statement, United States President-elect
Donald Trump contended that Russia's disinterest in safeguarding the tenure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has catalyzed Assad's downfall.
This revelation marks a strategic turning point, as Trump argues that Russia's focus has shifted irrevocably from its Syrian commitments to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—a war, as Trump describes, that is both unnecessary and potentially endless.
Trump disclosed these insights on Truth Social, suggesting that the geopolitical calculus of Moscow—a country under Vladimir Putin's leadership—has altered decisively away from Syria.
He asserts that Russia's involvement in Syrian matters was unwarranted from the outset, noting that 'they lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine ...
a war that should never have started, and could go on forever.'
Highlighting the precarious positions of traditional alignments, Trump remarked that both Russia, troubled by Ukraine and economic challenges, and Iran, pressured by Israel's military successes, find themselves in weakened states.
The divergent trajectories of these historic Syrian allies underline a significant shift in the global arena, as Trump's statements indicate.
Saturday's meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris, amidst the poignant backdrop of Notre-Dame's reopening, underscored Trump's stance on conflict resolution.
He stressed the staggering human costs suffered by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with a call for urgent diplomatic engagement.
'There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,' he urged, reflecting a strong desire for peace.
Positioning himself as both a realist and a dealmaker, Trump envisions a role for China as a potential mediator in this protracted conflict.
'I know Vladimir well.
This is his time to act.
China can help.
The World is waiting!' he declared, indicating a broader international framework that may yet influence the resolution of these complex geopolitical disputes.