The United States is pushing hard for Ukraine to make peace with Russia, and experts say Ukraine has little choice but to go along. Former Trump advisor KT McFarland argues Ukraine can’t win the war and needs to accept a deal. She says dragging things out only helps Russia and hurts American interests.
President Trump’s team is working on a plan to get Ukraine to agree to peace talks. They want Ukraine to sign a deal letting American companies mine rare minerals there. This would help pay back some of the billions the U.S. sent Ukraine for weapons. McFarland says this deal is Ukraine’s “lifeline” for survival.
Ukraine’s leader Zelenskyy has been fighting with Trump over the peace plan. Trump says America won’t keep funding Ukraine “forever.” McFarland claims Zelenskyy is being stubborn and needs to face facts. She says Ukraine is losing ground every day and can’t afford to say no to America’s help.
The Trump administration wants Europe to pay more for Ukraine’s defense. They say America has carried too much of the burden. McFarland praises Trump for making European leaders step up. She says this puts America first and stops U.S. tax dollars from being wasted.
Conservatives argue Biden’s approach failed by giving Ukraine blank checks without a plan. Trump’s team says their mineral deal is smarter. It ties aid to real economic benefits for America. McFarland calls it a “win-win” that rebuilds Ukraine while cutting China and Russia out of key resources.
Some worry Russia will just take more land after any deal. But McFarland says Trump’s plan uses U.S. energy power to weaken Russia. By boosting American oil and gas, global prices drop. This starves Putin’s war machine of cash. She claims this strategy worked against the Soviets and can work again.
Trump’s supporters say talking to Russia isn’t weakness—it’s smart. Vice President Vance says you can’t end a war without dealing with both sides. McFarland agrees, adding that ignoring Russia pushed Putin closer to China. She says Trump’s deal could split them up, making America safer.
The message is clear: Ukraine must show “good will” by taking the deal. McFarland warns time is running out. With U.S. elections coming, Ukraine risks losing its biggest ally if they keep fighting. For conservatives, Trump’s plan offers peace without putting American boots on the ground—a solution they say Biden never had.
