HALIFAX, Canada — Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a key Republican voice, expressed strong skepticism about negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, citing mistrust of the Kremlin and the risks of showing Western weakness. His comments come amid President-elect Donald Trump’s pledges to broker a swift end to the ongoing war.
Rounds Questions Russia’s Trustworthiness
Speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum, Rounds cautioned against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin in peace negotiations.
“As much as I would like to believe we can negotiate with a tyrant, I suspect we may be deceiving ourselves,” Rounds said. He questioned whether offering territorial concessions to Russia would lead to a genuine resolution, asking, “Do you think he’s gonna stop?”
While emphasizing his statements were not reflective of the incoming Trump administration’s stance, Rounds underscored a divide within the Republican Party over support for Ukraine. Trump has vowed to secure a peace deal quickly, while many Senate Republicans, including Rounds, remain staunchly pro-Ukraine.
Frustration Over Delayed Military Aid
Rounds echoed the frustration voiced by Hanna Hopko, a Ukrainian civil society leader, over delays in the delivery of critical military aid.
“I just feel so frustrated that we have not been able to provide them all of the equipment and weapons systems they need,” Rounds said, calling for quicker U.S. action to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s renewed assaults.
NATO’s Perspective on the War
NATO officials attending the Halifax forum also expressed concerns about Putin’s ambitions. Adm. Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, emphasized the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine.
“There’s so much at stake, and I cannot imagine that it is in the interest of the U.S. to see Putin coming out of those negotiations as a winner,” Bauer told reporters.
Trump’s Promises Face Scrutiny
Trump has pledged to end the war early in his presidency, but many Western officials remain skeptical of the feasibility of his plan. Rounds’ comments reflect the tension between Trump’s MAGA base, which advocates scaling back U.S. military aid, and more traditional Republicans who view robust support for Ukraine as essential to countering Russian aggression.
Ukraine continues to face heightened challenges, including an influx of North Korean forces reportedly sent to support Russian troops.
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