Trump in a big interview with Time: Crimea remains in Russia, follows economic boom with customs duties

US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Time magazine today that only he could bring peace to Ukraine and announced economic growth based on aggressive trade policy with high customs. He sharply criticized Europe for, according to him, unjust trade relations and talked about new global initiatives. The statements are an insight into his approach to diplomacy, trade and the presidential government, and on the eve of the first 100 days of his second term.

Peace Agreement for Ukraine

Trump stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine « would never have happened » if he was president. He said the ceasefire negotiations were at an advanced stage and that we were « approaching an agreement ».

According to Trump, peace can also be achieved with Russian President Vladimir Putin in power, but only if he, Trump, is US president. Trump says Ukraine will probably have to give up its ambitions to join NATO and accept the loss of Crimea, a peninsula that, according to him, « has long been under control of Russia ».

Asked about the possibility of recognizing Crimea and four other Ukrainian regions such as Russian, and as part of attempts to resolve the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said it was about the peninsula to become Russian.

-Crimea will stay with Russia. And (Ukrainian President Vladimir) Zelenski understands that, and everyone realizes that (Crimea) belonged to them for a long time. He belonged long before Trump appeared, « he says.

Criticism to Europe

Trump has accused Europe of economic exploitation of the United States through trade deficits and insufficient participation in defense costs.

« Presentative countries are sometimes worse than enemies, » he said, adding that he would ask Europe to pay a « fair price » for co-operation with America. It leaves an open opportunity for new economic relations with Russia after a possible peace deal.

Tariffs and economic policy

Trump has defended his policy of high customs duties as a key mechanism for renovating US production.

He announced that investments in new factories and plants would reach seven trillion dollars, stressing that « if they produce in America, they would not pay customs duties. »

The US president has expressed confidence that the economy will notice « explosive growth » in the near future and accused previous administrations of creating huge economic losses.

Despite warnings from international financial institutions on inflation growth, Trump argues that food prices and energy prices are declining and dismissing IMF forecasts and other bodies, saying « America will soon become the richest country ever. »

Foreign policy and global initiatives

In an interview on Tuesday, and announced today, Trump also referred to the wider global engagement, highlighting the initiative to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

He announced that he would activate the Abraham deal again and that the Middle East was close to great progress. He also announced the opportunity to reach an agreement with Iran to limit the country’s nuclear program.

Trump is depicted as a leader determined to consolidate US influence through a strong economy, decisive diplomacy and a new global strategy.

« We will make our country strong, powerful and very rich again, » he concluded.