Can President Trump end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine?

ONE of the most frequently asked questions these days is whether US President Donald Trump can end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

While Trump’s confidence in his negotiation skills and lack of interest in proxy wars may be sweet music to peace-loving ears, the complexities of multiple interests and actors make peace more and more elusive with each passing day.

We really appreciate the effort but President Trump is out of his depth.
Various international organisations have actively participated in diplomatic efforts to mediate peace in these areas. Egypt and Turkey have also played a role in facilitating negotiations and ceasefires in Gaza.

As part of the Minsk Protocol, European nations and the OSCE have worked to support dialogue in Ukraine.

Due to entrenched regional dynamics and historical grievances, the US faces challenges in exerting influence. To play the role of a neutral mediator, the US must navigate complex relationships with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership in Gaza.

The US encounters resistance from Russia in Ukraine and must coordinate its efforts with European allies, which complicates unilateral action.

Trump’s assertion that he could resolve these conflicts through his negotiating skills has been met with scepticism from various analysts who caution against overestimating the influence of personal diplomacy in entrenched geopolitical struggles.

While Trump’s confidence in his business acumen might suggest a straightforward path to peace, the realities on the ground reveal a more complicated landscape where multiple actors possess divergent interests that complicate any potential resolution.

In relation to Ukraine, Trump’s approach raises significant questions about feasibility and effectiveness. His proposal for territorial concessions by Ukraine as part of a peace deal is particularly contentious; it risks undermining Ukrainian sovereignty while failing to address Russia’s long-standing grievances against Nato.

Furthermore, Trump’s leverage over Russia appears limited given existing US sanctions and Nato’s unified stance against Russia. The Kremlin’s cautious response to Trump’s statements suggests that any negotiated settlement involving territorial adjustments would not only be politically fraught but could also provoke backlash both domestically within Ukraine and internationally among its allies.

Turning to the conflict in Gaza, insights provided by former intelligence officer Norman Roule indicate that Trump’s strategy may not diverge significantly from President Biden’s current policies. Roule emphasises the need for humanitarian aid while ensuring Israeli security—a delicate balance that has historically proven challenging.

So, can President Trump end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine? Most likely not. There are multiple actors and interests involved in both conflicts. Furthermore, the US has limited influence in these regions.