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Trump has deadline in mind for Ukraine peace deal as war drains billions from American taxpayers

By isabelle // 2025-04-28

• Trump vows to end Ukraine war, calling it "Biden’s war".
• Trump urges Zelensky to accept territorial compromises, arguing that continued fighting risks Ukraine losing even more land while thousands die weekly.
• Zelensky’s demands—including 1.5 million troops, nuclear weapons, and NATO membership—are criticized as unrealistic, inflaming tensions and delaying peace.
• U.S. officials warn of walking away from talks if Ukraine and Russia reject a proposed deal, citing no vital American interest in the conflict.
• Trump pushes an immediate ceasefire, even with concessions, to stop economic strain and loss of life, shifting focus to U.S. domestic priorities.

President Donald Trump is racing to negotiate an end to the bloody conflict in Ukraine, vowing to secure a peace deal that halts what he calls “Biden’s war”, a costly engagement that has already drained more than $70 billion from U.S. taxpayers while thousands of soldiers perish weekly in a fight many argue holds no vital American interest. “This isn’t my war. This is Biden’s war,” Trump declared in the Oval Office, flanked by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The president dismissed accusations that his approach favors Russia, insisting his only allegiance is to saving lives. “I have no allegiance to anybody,” he said. “I have allegiance to saving lives.” The conflict, now in its third year, has left Ukraine struggling to reclaim nearly a fifth of its territory from Russian occupation. Trump has repeatedly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept territorial compromises to end the bloodshed. “They’ve lost a lot of territory,” Trump noted bluntly. “Stopping the war—stopping taking the whole country—[that’s] pretty big concession.”

Human cost and unsustainable demands

With an estimated 5,000 soldiers dying each week, the human toll has reached devastating levels. Yet Zelensky’s recent demands—including a call for 1.5 million troops from Europe, nuclear weapons, NATO membership, and U.S. boots on the ground—have been met with widespread skepticism. Such requests, observers argue, are both unrealistic and provocative, dooming any chance of a swift resolution. Trump did not mince words about Zelensky’s role in prolonging the war. “If he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” Trump wrote on social media. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that make it so difficult to settle this war.” The president’s frustration was echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who warned that the U.S. may abandon talks if both sides refuse a proposed deal. “We’ve issued a very explicit proposal,” Vance said. “It’s time for them to either say yes or for the U.S. to walk away.”

A war with no American interest?

Critics of continued U.S. involvement argue that Ukraine’s conflict is a European security issue, not an American one. Russia sees Ukraine as an existential battleground; historically, invasions through its territory have brought catastrophic losses. The financial burden on American taxpayers remains staggering, and many are questioning why U.S. resources are being poured into a distant war while domestic crises worsen. Trump’s approach prioritizes an immediate ceasefire, even if it means territorial concessions. “He can have peace or fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” Trump said of Zelensky. The alternative, unending war, only guarantees more death and economic strain. As Trump’s self-imposed deadline looms, the question remains: Will Ukraine and Russia choose compromise over continued carnage? With Europe capable of taking the lead on regional security, the U.S. must refocus on its own urgent needs. Peace with concessions, no matter how imperfect, may be the only way to stop the senseless slaughter—and spare American taxpayers from further burden. Sources for this article include: Politico.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com

Donald Trump Russia Ukraine national security taxes violence peace talks dangerous money supply compromise WWIII negotiations Volodymyr Zelensky Russia-Ukraine war peace deal