President Donald Trump’s recent clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is just a bump in the road as America works to end the bloody Russia-Ukraine war, according to Fox News analyst Gen. Jack Keane. Trump has called Zelenskyy a “dictator” and pushed for peace talks between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine at the table. Critics say this leaves Kyiv out of decisions about its own future, but supporters argue Trump’s tough approach could finally stop the fighting.
The feud started when Trump blasted Zelenskyy online, accusing him of wasting billions in U.S. aid and failing to hold elections during the war. While Ukraine delayed votes due to the invasion, Trump’s fiery words drew global criticism. German leaders called his remarks “dangerous,” but Trump doubled down, saying Zelenskyy must act fast before Ukraine loses more land. Conservatives praise Trump for demanding accountability from allies who rely on American taxpayers’ money.
Behind the scenes, U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss ending the war—without inviting Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks “positive” and said both sides will appoint teams to negotiate a deal. Critics worry this sidelines Zelenskyy, but Trump allies say cutting through bureaucracy speeds up peace. “Only Trump can get Russia and Ukraine to agree,” one official said, highlighting the president’s deal-making confidence.
Gen. Jack Keane, a Fox News analyst and retired Army general, says the Trump-Zelenskyy tension won’t last. He believes Trump is pressuring Ukraine to accept realistic terms after years of stalemate. “This is about ending the war, not making friends,” Keane said. Conservatives argue endless aid under Biden failed to win the war, so Trump’s push for a deal—even if messy—puts America first by stopping the bleeding of taxpayer dollars overseas.
Russia wants Ukraine to give up occupied regions like Crimea and Donbas permanently. Putin’s team also demands Ukraine drop plans to join NATO—a move Trump might accept to secure peace. Democrats call this a betrayal, but Republicans say avoiding World War III matters more than redrawing maps. “Ukraine can’t win back every inch,” Keane said, urging pragmatism over idealism. Trump supporters say saving lives trumps symbolic victories.
Zelenskyy isn’t backing down yet. He canceled a trip to Saudi Arabia and warned against deals made “behind our backs.” But with U.S. aid shrinking under Trump, Ukraine’s leverage fades. Conservatives blame Biden for letting the war drag on, leaving Trump to clean up the mess. “Weakness invited Putin’s invasion,” one GOP lawmaker said. “Trump’s strength will end it.”
The big question: Will Putin budge? Russia’s economy is struggling after years of war and sanctions. Experts say Putin can’t keep fighting forever, and Trump’s offer to lift sanctions or unfreeze Russian assets might tempt him to compromise. Critics fear rewarding aggression, but Trump backers say cutting deals with rivals—however ugly—is how real-world diplomacy works. “Peace isn’t pretty, but it beats more graves,” Keane said.
As talks continue, conservatives urge trust in Trump’s “America First” vision. They say his blunt style shakes up failed policies and puts U.S. interests above foreign drama. With Putin eyeing economic relief and Zelenskyy running out of options, Trump bets his no-nonsense tactics can end Europe’s bloodiest conflict since WWII—and cement his legacy as a peacemaker who puts results over politeness.
