Senator Lindsey Graham has indicated that one of Trump’s main objectives in discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin is to avert a third invasion of Ukraine.
“President Trump aims to help prevent a third invasion and let Putin know he will work towards ending this conflict to deter China from attempting to seize Taiwan,” Graham (R-SC) mentioned while speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” after a golf outing with Trump.
“We’re not out to humiliate Putin. Our goal is to strike a deal that ensures there’s no third invasion.”
While Graham didn’t provide specifics on how Trump plans to achieve this, he emphasized the need for Ukraine to secure guarantees from European nations regarding their safety. Some senior Russian officials have previously highlighted the importance of European commitments to Ukraine’s security.
Russia notoriously annexed Crimea in 2014 and initiated its ongoing invasion in February 2022.
South Carolina Republicans have also suggested that sustaining the strength of Ukrainian forces after the conflict ends is crucial to prevent future assaults.
“We must bolster Ukraine militarily, supply modern weaponry, and forge security guarantees with European troops to deter any future invasion,” he said.
“Our aim is to conclude this with a sovereign, independent Ukraine.”
Trump is slated to meet Putin from Alaska on Friday. This engagement follows an offer made by Putin to special envoy Steve Witkov, although the specifics of what the Kremlin proposed remain unclear.
Prior to this expected progress between Witkov and Putin, Trump had threatened to impose sudden secondary sanctions or tariffs against Russia.
The president had set a deadline for the previous Friday to establish steps towards peace with Ukraine or face those economic penalties.
Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky, who has sought connections with Trump since their last encounter in February, has publicly asserted that any peace negotiations should include Ukraine’s input. Zelensky has also expressed skepticism about territorial concessions to Russia.
“We hope Zelensky will be involved in the process, and we’re leaving it to the White House,” Graham noted regarding the discussions between Trump and Putin.
“I’m confident that when the president meets Putin from a position of strength, he will seek a way for Europe and Ukraine to end this conflict honorably.”
Reports suggest that the White House considered having Zelensky attend the meeting with Putin, but Trump has made it clear that he’s open to meeting Putin without Zelensky present.
Graham also drew comparisons to the division of Berlin as a possible framework for conflict resolution between Russia and Ukraine over time.
“Consider the East and West Berlin situation as a way to address conflicts for a period. The North Korea-South Korea scenario represents a state of armistice—there’s never been a conclusive settlement,” he explained.
“I want to be upfront. Ukraine won’t expel all Russians, and Russia isn’t going to maintain control over everything. So, there may need to be some territorial exchanges eventually,” he added. “This won’t go on forever.”
