Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has already cost “millions of lives,” arguing that the conflict would not have occurred had he still been in power. His remarks came after what he described as a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders discussed the war’s devastating toll and explored paths toward peace.
In an exclusive statement following the conversation, Trump pointed to the grim humanitarian impact of the war, which he believes has spiraled out of control under the current U.S. administration. “Millions of people have died, and this conflict must come to an end,” Trump said. He did not provide specific sources for his casualty figure, but the United Nations has confirmed over 40,000 civilian casualties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, though actual numbers may be higher.
A Shared History of Sacrifice and the Need for Common Sense
Trump’s comments highlighted the deep historical connections between the United States and Russia, particularly their collaboration during World War II. Both nations lost millions of citizens in the fight against Nazi Germany, a bond Trump emphasized during his conversation with Putin.
“We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, remembering the tremendous sacrifices we made in World War II,” Trump stated. “Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we too lost so many. The suffering was unimaginable.”
While historical ties were at the forefront of their discussion, Trump and Putin also addressed present-day geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle East, energy security, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Trump hinted at a joint desire to return to a more cooperative relationship, stating, “We both believe strongly in the power of ‘Common Sense,’ which I made central to my campaign, and President Putin even referenced it during our talk.”
Trump’s push for a return to diplomacy comes amid increasing global calls for de-escalation and ceasefire talks. According to a United Nations report from late 2024, over 28,000 civilians have been injured in the war, and the toll continues to climb. In light of this, Trump stressed the urgency of immediate action.
Efforts to End the Bloodshed
Following the call, Trump announced that both he and Putin had agreed to begin formal negotiations aimed at ending the war. Trump expressed confidence in the success of these talks, which will include an initial outreach to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We will start by calling President Zelenskyy to inform him of the conversation we just had,” Trump said. “I’m confident that this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, and I’m determined to do everything I can to stop the bloodshed.”
Trump also revealed that key U.S. officials would take the lead in the peace efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were all tasked with spearheading the negotiations, according to Trump’s statement. “I feel strongly, this will be successful,” he affirmed.
In a further display of cooperation with Russia, Trump expressed his gratitude to Putin for his role in securing the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia. “I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call, and for the release of Marc Fogel, who I personally greeted at the White House last night,” Trump said, marking the event as a significant gesture of goodwill amid the tense global situation.
Trump’s Call for Immediate Action
The former president’s public appeal to end the war was underscored by his impassioned plea for the cessation of further loss of life. “No more lives should be lost!” he declared. “This war is senseless, and I believe this effort will lead to peace, hopefully very soon.”
Trump’s statement is part of his broader narrative on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where he has consistently positioned himself as a strong advocate for peace. He has repeatedly suggested that the war would not have escalated to its current scale if he had been in the White House, arguing that his administration’s approach would have prevented Russia’s invasion in the first place.
“I would have made sure that Putin understood there would be severe consequences for any military aggression,” Trump remarked in a 2024 interview. His latest comments reflect a similar stance, but now, as he calls for diplomacy, Trump is positioning himself as a potential mediator to bring an end to the war. His remarks stand in stark contrast to the ongoing diplomatic efforts by current President Joe Biden, whose administration has supported Ukraine with military aid and diplomatic pressure on Russia.
What’s Next for Ukraine and Russia?
The path forward remains uncertain. Despite the United States’ vocal support for Ukraine, many in the international community are eager to see a resolution to the war. As Trump pushes for peace talks, it remains unclear whether President Zelenskyy will be open to negotiations under terms suggested by Putin and Trump, given the contentious nature of the conflict and Ukraine’s insistence on full sovereignty.
The upcoming conversations between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin will be closely watched by world leaders, who are also grappling with the global consequences of the war. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine and destabilizing Europe’s political landscape. Energy markets have been severely impacted, and the global economy is grappling with food security crises in nations that rely on Ukrainian grain exports.
In the United States, Trump’s calls for peace have drawn mixed reactions. While his supporters laud his diplomatic approach, others criticize him for aligning too closely with Putin, whose government has been accused of numerous war crimes during its invasion of Ukraine. Some commentators argue that Trump’s overtures toward Russia could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden authoritarian regimes globally.
The Human Cost of War
The human cost of the war in Ukraine continues to mount. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the total number of civilian casualties in Ukraine as of late 2024 stood at 40,838, with more than 28,000 people injured. These figures are expected to rise as the conflict rages on. The war has also disrupted global food supplies, with millions of tons of grain unable to leave Ukrainian ports due to the Russian blockade, exacerbating hunger in developing countries.
The United States and its allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion, but diplomatic solutions remain elusive. With Trump’s call for peace talks now on the table, the world watches closely to see if this new initiative will bring any real change to the devastating war that has gripped Europe for nearly three years.
