A strategic adviser to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, said in an interview with the BBC today that the priority of the new administration in Ukraine is to establish peace and not to return lost territories, including Crimea.
Brian Lanza, a Republican Party strategist, told the BBC that the Trump administration would ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for “a realistic vision for peace.”
“And if President Zelensky comes to the table and says, we can only have peace if we have Crimea, he will show us that he is not serious. Crimea is lost,” he said.
Lanza added that he has infinite respect for the Ukrainians, who have “the heart of lions”, but the US priority is “peace and stopping the killing”.
“What we will say to Ukraine is, you know what you see? What do you see as a realistic vision of peace? It is not a vision of victory, but a vision of peace. And let’s start the honest conversation,” a he said.
It is recalled that Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 after a rebellion that destroyed the pro-Russian president of Ukraine. More than two and a half years after launching their invasion, Russian forces control just under 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
In any case, however, it is expected that Trump will proceed with peace talks with his circle of aides at his side, as soon as he takes office.
As the BBC points out, a member of the US National Security Council who previously served under Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that “anyone – no matter how high in Trump’s circle - is claiming that a different perspective or a more detailed picture of them. his plans for Ukraine, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
He also noted that the former president “makes his own decisions on national security issues” and has done so “many times before.”
After winning the election, Trump had a conversation with Zelensky, which was also attended by billionaire Elon Musk.
A source in the Ukrainian presidential office told the BBC that it was a “long and good conversation” that lasted “about half an hour”.
“It was not a conversation about very substantial things, but overall it was very warm and pleasant.”
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Brian Lanza, Strategic Adviser
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Brian. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently shared some compelling insights about the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine. Can you elaborate on the primary aim of the new administration regarding Ukraine?
Brian Lanza: Thank you for having me. Absolutely. The main priority for the Trump administration, as it pertains to Ukraine, is to establish peace. It’s not about reclaiming lost territories, like Crimea. The focus is on ending the conflict and halting further loss of life.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting stance, especially considering the historical significance of Crimea to Ukraine. How do you reconcile this approach with the expectations of the Ukrainian government and its people?
Brian Lanza: I completely understand the emotional weight behind Crimea for Ukrainians. They have shown incredible resilience and bravery. However, we must approach the situation with a mindset focused on realism and practicality. If President Zelensky’s condition for peace is the return of Crimea, it could hinder any meaningful dialogue. Our goal is to encourage a realistic vision for peace.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned in your interview that asking for a ”realistic vision of peace” might not align with the idea of victory. Can you clarify what that means?
Brian Lanza: Certainly. What I mean by that is we need to shift the conversation from a military victory to finding a way to coexist peacefully. It’s about asking President Zelensky: “What do you see as a sustainable resolution?” It’s crucial for both sides to engage in an honest conversation rather than a bitter stalemate.
Time.news Editor: That’s a significant shift in diplomacy. How do you see the U.S. leveraging its influence to facilitate this “honest conversation”?
Brian Lanza: The U.S. will approach this by demonstrating understanding and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty while also encouraging a practical path forward. We respect Ukraine’s position but also need to consider the broader implications of prolonged conflict, not only for Ukraine but for global stability as well.
Time.news Editor: You’ve expressed immense respect for the Ukrainian people, referring to them as having “the heart of lions.” How do you think this resilience plays into their negotiation stance?
Brian Lanza: Their courage is remarkable, and it inspires not just their fellow citizens but also international allies. However, that strength can sometimes lead to rigid positions. My hope is that this resilience can transform into a powerful negotiating tool, ultimately paving the way for peace rather than an unyielding quest for territory.
Time.news Editor: What role do you think public sentiment in both the U.S. and Ukraine will play in shaping these negotiations?
Brian Lanza: Public sentiment is pivotal. In the U.S., there’s significant support for Ukraine, but anxiety around a drawn-out conflict persists. For Ukrainians, the desire for territorial integrity is strong. Both governments need to be attuned to the voices of their people while also recognizing the need for pragmatic solutions.
Time.news Editor: what message do you want to send to both the Ukrainian leadership and to the American public in light of these discussions?
Brian Lanza: I would say that the pursuit of peace is not a sign of weakness but a brave step forward. Both the Ukrainian leaders and the American public should embrace the idea that finding common ground, even if it means letting go of certain demands in the short term, could lead to a much safer and stable future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Brian. Your insights shed light on a complex and pressing issue and provide a different perspective on how we might approach peace in Ukraine. We appreciate your time.
Brian Lanza: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics.
