Trump-Putin to Talk Soon...Demand to Lower Conscription Age in Ukraine

Trump's Second-term Security Advisor:
"Meeting in Preparation... Phone Call Expected Within Days or Weeks"

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States who has declared an end to the war in Ukraine, will soon have a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Before the Trump administration officially begins peace negotiations, it plans to demand that Ukraine lower the conscription age to address the shortage of troops on the front lines. It also confirmed the position that completely driving Russia out of Ukrainian territory is unrealistic. However, it remains uncertain how Ukraine, the party involved, will respond to this stance from the United States.

Mike Waltz, the next U.S. White House National Security Advisor nominee. Captured from ABC News This Week.

Mike Waltz, the nominee for White House National Security Advisor in the second Trump administration, appeared on ABC’s “This Week” on the 12th (local time) and said, “From President-elect Trump’s perspective, without some kind of relationship or dialogue with the other side, negotiations cannot happen,” adding, “Within the next few months, we will definitely establish this (dialogue for ending the Ukraine war).”

Waltz confirmed that a meeting between President-elect Trump and President Putin is “in preparation.” He explained, “There will be a phone call (between Trump and Putin) within at least a few days to a few weeks.” When asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would participate in the meeting, he replied, “The exact format has not yet been decided,” and “We are working on that.” On the same day, Russian state TV also reported that President Putin would have “important international contacts” this week, suggesting that a call with President-elect Trump might take place.

At the same time, Waltz expressed hope for a ceasefire in Ukraine as soon as possible but said, “I think it is unrealistic to say that we will drive Russians out of all Ukrainian territory.” He added, “Trump also acknowledges this reality,” and “We have to move forward.” Keith Kellogg, nominated as the special envoy for ending the Ukraine war in the next administration, recently appeared on Fox News and proposed a timeline of 100 days until the end of the war.

President-elect Donald Trump of the United States (right), who is set to take office this month, is shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Osaka, Japan, during the G20 summit held in June 2019, during his first term in office. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

In particular, Waltz pointed out that Ukraine’s conscription age is high. He said, “They have certainly fought bravely. They have taken a very noble and tough stance,” but added, “The troop shortage problem must be resolved. This is not simply about using more military supplies or ammunition.” He explained that the front lines of the Ukraine war must be stabilized before peace negotiations with President Putin can fully proceed.

Ukraine’s conscription age was lowered to 25 last year, and the average age of soldiers is 43. The Biden administration has also demanded that Ukraine lower the conscription age to 18 to counter the Russian forces, which have superiority in manpower and firepower. However, President Zelensky has opposed this, stating, “Lack of equipment and training should not be replaced by young soldiers.” At the end of last month, he told reporters in Brussels, “What difference does it make if the person standing in front of you without weapons is 20 or 30 years old?” and requested expanded Western arms support. Major foreign media have pointed out, “It is uncertain how Ukraine will respond to Waltz’s remarks,” noting that “the U.S. is demanding more sacrifices from Ukraine without promising additional support.”

Speculation continues about where the meeting between President-elect Trump and President Putin will take place. Within Russia, there are claims that the venue should be in countries friendly to Russia, such as Hungary, Kazakhstan, India, or Slovakia, where President Putin’s safety can be guaranteed. While it is possible for President-elect Trump to visit Moscow, Russia, the likelihood of this happening is considered low. Russian media Argumenty i Fakty evaluated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n as a mediator who has good relations with both President-elect Trump and President Putin, reporting that Hungary would be a good choice.

Meanwhile, Waltz also mentioned that President-elect Trump, who expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, is not ruling out military options in the Arctic and elsewhere. He said, “We have endured enough regarding enemies (such as China) entering the Western Hemisphere and threatening our national security,” adding, “President-elect Trump is ready to take big and bold actions to ensure the U.S. is well defended.” He continued, “No options will be excluded,” and “There are many things that can be done to revise existing agreements.” Additionally, regarding the war between Israel and Hamas, he said, “I hope hostages will be released or at least some agreement can be reached before Trump’s inauguration.”