President Donald Trump wants the war in Ukraine to end, and he’s not fussed about who controls what land when it does.
That’s the eye-opening claim made by Kurt Volker, former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, in an interview with NV on 14 May. According to Volker, Trump is laser-focused on stopping the bloodshed, even if it means accepting uncomfortable territorial outcomes.
“He doesn’t like seeing young people dying every day. He just wants it to end,” Volker said.
“He doesn’t care where the line of occupation is, whether it’s recognised or not. He just doesn’t want to deal with it anymore.”
Peace Over Precision: Trump’s Vision for Ukraine
Trump’s current approach, as described by Volker, is pragmatic and blunt: end the war, reduce American costs, and get Europe to shoulder more responsibility for its own security.
“All Trump really wants is an end to the fighting,” said Volker. “The administration is focused on halting the war, avoiding future conflicts, and lowering the burden on U.S. taxpayers.”
Volker suggested that Ukraine would do well to present itself as a willing peace partner, not a perpetual recipient of aid.
“You don’t want to be a burden to American taxpayers; you want to be a partner. These are the kinds of messages Trump and his team will respond to.”
Russia’s “Unrealistic” Demands Stall Peace Talks
On 7 May, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance said Russia was “asking for too much” in peace negotiations, noting that while Moscow wasn’t opposed to a resolution, it was demanding excessive concessions.
“The Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements in order to end the conflict,” he said during a Q&A at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington.
Trump agreed, commenting that the moment is fast approaching when “certain decisions will have to be made”.
Then on 8 May, Vance added that the U.S. could pull out of peace efforts entirely if it concludes Russia is not negotiating in good faith.
Putin Calls for Talks – Trump Says “Go”
In the early hours of 11 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on 15 May, offering to meet without preconditions.
Trump immediately called on Kyiv to accept the invitation, urging both sides to at least sit down and test the waters.
“At least they’ll be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible,” he posted.
“If it’s not, then Europe and the U.S. will know where things stand, and can act accordingly.”
Still, Trump admitted he’s sceptical that Ukraine will agree to terms with the Russian leader.
“I Might Fly Over There”: Trump Teases Surprise Visit to Istanbul Talks
In true Trump style, the President floated the idea that he himself might show up to the negotiations in Turkey.
“I believe the two leaders will be there,” he said.
“I don’t know where I’ll be on Thursday. I’ve got so many meetings. But I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it.”
A presidential wildcard visit to Istanbul would mark a dramatic move, one that could thrust Trump into the centre of a high-stakes peace process. Whether symbolic or strategic, the message is clear: Trump wants the war over, now.
But as Volker makes clear, it’s not about maps, borders, or political optics. For Trump, the goal is blunt and unapologetic: stop the war, and move on.
