Pompeo Questions Ukraine War Resolution Claims

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed skepticism over assertions that the end of the Ukraine conflict is imminent. He believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will need to experience a “bigger whip” before he considers any negotiations.

Pompeo’s remarks followed a press conference where President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a sense of optimism. Trump mentioned that “a lot of progress” had been made, while Zelensky claimed that a proposed 20-point peace framework was around 90% agreed upon.

However, Pompeo countered this enthusiasm, stating that Putin “has literally not conceded anything so far.” He doubts that Putin will compromise on the remaining 10% of issues preventing a deal. “At the end of the day, President Vladimir Putin is going to need a bigger lash of the whip before he’s actually ready to seriously come to the negotiating table,” Pompeo stated on “Fox & Friends.”

Zelensky emphasized his agreement with Trump on the importance of security guarantees for achieving lasting peace. In contrast, Pompeo argued that proposals for European forces along Russia’s borders would likely not be acceptable to the Kremlin.

The former Secretary of State cautioned that Russia’s current rhetoric and actions suggest a reluctance to compromise. “The only way to end this is for Ukrainians to continue doing what they need to do, to defend themselves, and to launch major attacks against Russian military assets,” he asserted, highlighting targets like refineries and munitions factories that bolster Russia’s war efforts.

Pompeo referenced sources indicating that 15-20% of Russia’s energy infrastructure has been compromised, along with substantial casualties—estimated at nearly 1 million. “This will ultimately convince President Putin that the benefits of peace are greater than the costs of continuing,” he concluded.