In an interview with the BBC, Bryan Lanza, a former adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, indicated that the incoming administration will focus on achieving peace in Ukraine rather than facilitating Ukraine’s attempts to regain territory occupied by Russia. Lanza, who played a role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, revealed that Trump’s approach would involve discussing a “realistic vision for peace” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Lanza suggested that the administration would press Zelensky on his goals for peace, noting that the expectation of reclaiming regions such as Crimea would not align with their vision. “And if President Zelensky comes to the table and says, well, we can only have peace if we have Crimea, he shows to us that he’s not serious,” Lanza commented. “Crimea is gone,” he added, signaling a stance that seemingly recognizes Russia’s control of the peninsula.
However, a spokesperson for Trump responded to the interview by distancing the President-elect from Lanza’s comments. The spokesperson clarified that Lanza does not represent Trump’s official position on Ukraine, suggesting that the administration’s formal approach may vary from Lanza’s remarks. This stance introduces questions about how Trump’s administration will navigate the complex dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict while balancing peace efforts with U.S. strategic interests in the region.
The comments from Lanza come at a critical time, with analysts and observers speculating on the new administration’s foreign policy direction and potential shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine.