Trump has promised to end all wars as he regains the presidency; all eyes are on the Russia-Ukraine war which has spanned over 1000 days.

Donald Trump who will be the 47th President of the United States has vowed to end wars as he takes pledge and control over the United States on January 20, 2025. The US had been a firm supporter of Ukraine under the administration of Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as it serves as the major weapon supplier of Ukraine. But Trump had made it all clear that he wants wars to end.

What does the end of the Russia-Ukraine war mean for the US?

Trump has strategically made campaigns before the elections highlighting that his presidency will work for the betterment of American citizens. It is anticipated that Trump’s policies will first of all reduce the heavy taxes which are levied on Americans. This takes further shape as he recently announced the introduction of a new government body called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE headed by two prominent American individuals, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk and Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The goal of this association is to cut all the unnecessary expenditures of the states. The main agenda that Trump is focusing on right now is reducing all the irrelevant money spent by the US government.

The US being a strong supporter of Ukraine since the inception of the war has spent more than $60 billion on the war. This is the hard-earned money of Americans and Trump clearly wants to solely focus on the reduction the debt of the nation. 

What is Trump’s proposal to end war?

Russia is closely allied with China. Hence, the US has been backing Ukraine, which can plausibly weaken Russia, for almost the last three years. Trump also can’t abruptly stop weaponry aid to Ukraine as he may face opposition from the pro-war forces in his own party, particularly in Congress, as well as perhaps the entirety of the Democratic party. 

Trump’s policy to end the war has not been publicly disclosed but is expected that he would trail the path of peaceful negotiations and settlement. JD Vance had previously said in an election campaign that the best approach to end the war was for Ukraine to give the land that Russia had captured, to establish a demilitarized zone, and for Ukraine to declare neutral, that is, not to join NATO.

Trump is expected to follow this strategy as he would likely focus on the debt and strengthening the military allies of the United States rather than getting involved in European wars. He has strictly said that no Americans will be compromised further under his presidency. According to Trump’s peace plan, ending the Russia-Ukraine war may involve calling on the European and British military to establish an 800-mile buffer zone between Moscow and Kyiv’s army. His staffers noted that this would temporarily freeze the war’s front lines. 

What does the end of the Russia-Ukraine War mean for India?

Global trade has suffered the most in this war. India can benefit majorly economically if Trump calls for peace negotiations between Putin and Zelensky. India has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia amid Western sanctions, positioning itself as a crucial trade partner for Moscow. The conclusion to the war will help India assert its non-aligned stance while balancing relations with both Russia and the West.

PM Narendra Modi has met both Putin and Zelensky over the last few months.  India and Ukraine have agreed to restore trade to pre-war levels, signaling a renewed focus on bilateral relations. This can improve further sectors in the Indian economy such as agriculture, technology, and defense.

India is also largely reliant on Russia for defense weaponry. In recent years, however, India has expanded its defense imports to include weaponry from the United States and France. The continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war will further put India’s trade links with Russia under crucial pressure and scrutiny.

However, India’s improving diplomatic relations with Ukraine can also help it stabilize its economy post-war. India had maintained India a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war waged between the two nations.