During a segment of “The Big Weekend Show,” U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker highlighted a development that aligns with President Trump’s diplomatic push for an end to the war in Ukraine. Whitaker said that Ukraine’s continued strong attacks inside Russian territory are helping bring the two adversaries nearer to the negotiating table.
Trump’s diplomatic leadership
Whitaker emphasized that a lasting resolution will not be achieved on the battlefield but through diplomacy. He noted, “That’s why President Trump and his team continue to talk to both sides to find any similarities between the positions to bring them together.” The ambassador described President Trump as a seasoned businessman and dealmaker, confident that if a deal is possible, Trump will make it happen.
While acknowledging that Moscow and Kyiv remain “a long way apart” on key issues, Whitaker warned that without a willingness to compromise from President Putin, any agreement would be impossible. He added that the United States remains committed to supporting both parties in finding common ground.
Casualty figures underscored
President Trump, speaking on the White House lawn, cited recent casualty numbers to underscore the urgency of ending the conflict. He said, “Last month, 25,000 people died in the Ukraine‑Russia war, okay? Twenty‑five thousand. The month before that, 32,000 people died … mostly soldiers, 97% soldiers. Whether they’re soldiers or civilians, think of it: 32,000. Two months ago, 33,000 people; this month, 25,000 people died. What a shame.” The figures were presented alongside a report from the Center for Strategic & International Studies that Russia has lost as many as 450,000 soldiers since the 2022 invasion.
Why the attacks matter
Whitaker argued that Ukraine’s strikes, including deep incursions into Russia’s Arctic gas region, are creating pressure that could compel Moscow to consider diplomatic overtures. He said the attacks are not intended to win the war militarily but to shape the strategic environment in favor of negotiations.
“This conflict is not going to be resolved on the battlefield. It’s only going to be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation,” Whitaker said, reinforcing the administration’s stance that a negotiated settlement is the only sustainable path forward.
Administration’s next steps
The Trump administration plans to continue high‑level talks with both Kyiv and Moscow, leveraging the President’s personal relationships and business‑oriented approach to diplomacy. Whitaker indicated that the U.S. will maintain pressure on both sides while offering a platform for dialogue, reflecting President Trump’s broader foreign‑policy goal of reducing costly overseas conflicts.
As the war drags on and civilian suffering mounts, the administration’s emphasis on diplomatic resolution aims to protect American interests, preserve global stability, and honor the lives lost on both sides.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
