Yuri Kobzar17:15, 17.09.26

The Americans believe that a deal can be reached with the Kremlin regarding “real estate,” with Donbass playing a role.

Some members of Donald Trump’s administration misjudge Russia’s motives and view the war against Ukraine primarily as a potential deal that can be concluded through territorial concessions. Retired US General Ben Hodges stated this in an interview with Channel 24 , commenting on statements by Trump’s special envoy Jared Kushner and the US president’s own position.

Hodges drew attention to Kushner’s words that an agreement could be reached if Ukraine agreed to give up the territories demanded by Vladimir Putin.

“From the very beginning, their approach was to treat the whole situation as a major real estate deal in Manhattan,” the expert says.

In his opinion, Ukrainians should not place their hopes on any peace initiatives coming from Trump’s special envoys.

The general also stated that he does not expect the Trump administration to take any steps that would significantly help Ukraine. Specifically, he recalled Trump’s recent call to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, as this allegedly leads to higher diesel prices in the US.

The expert criticized the statement as economically incorrect and added that, in his view, the situation also demonstrates a broader problem: Trump’s reluctance to place responsibility for the war on Russia.

“He always blames Ukraine. He always shifts responsibility to President Zelenskyy. He has never once said to Vladimir Putin, ‘Stop your invasion of Ukraine, go back behind your borders, and then we’ll sort this out,'” Hodges noted.

The general believes that the key problem is precisely the lack of understanding of the Kremlin’s true goals by top American officials.

“Vladimir Putin has absolutely no interest in stopping and being content with a part of Ukraine,” Hodges emphasized.

(C)UNIAN 2026