Certainly! Here’s the article rewritten in the third person with a neutral, professional tone:
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U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubts about Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO, reiterating his administration’s stance that Kyiv should abandon its aspirations of joining the military alliance.
In an interview with Time Magazine published on Friday, Trump stated, “I don’t think they’ll ever be able to join NATO,” attributing Ukraine’s aspirations as a catalyst for Russia’s invasion.
Trump further commented, indicating that the discussions about Ukraine joining NATO were a contributing factor to the onset of the conflict. “If that weren’t brought up, there would have been a much better chance that it wouldn’t have started,” he added.
These remarks coincide with heightened pressure by Trump on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to accept a peace deal, which critics argue favors Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to swiftly end the war by 2024.
Trump’s assertions that Russia initiated the war due to Ukraine’s NATO ambitions mirror the Kremlin’s justification. However, Ukraine’s goal to join NATO was denied in 2008 when the Bucharest Summit dismissed providing a membership action plan.
Throughout his campaign, Trump asserted his capability to negotiate a resolution early in his term, referencing his rapport with Putin. When questioned about ending the conflict on the first day, Trump clarified it was meant figuratively and as an exaggeration to emphasize a point. He nevertheless stated his intention to conclude the conflict.
With no signs of progress, Trump expressed willingness to withdraw from peace talks. At a recent meeting in Paris, the U.S. proposed a conflict resolution plan to Ukrainian and European officials, suggesting a freeze along existing battle lines.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. is open to recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea as part of the agreement. A conflict freeze would require Ukraine to forgo reclaiming territories in the south and east, including Crimea, following Russian occupation since 2014 and Putin’s 2022 invasion.
Discussing Crimea, Trump said, “It was handed to them by Barack Hussein Obama, and not by me,” while questioning the feasibility of Ukraine regaining it. He noted that Crimea has had a longstanding Russian presence, with a largely Russian-speaking populace.
When asked about a deal involving Crimea’s annexation by Russia, Trump stated, “Crimea will stay with Russia,” adding that Zelenskiy “understands that.” Crimea was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, contravening international law.
Trump has shown frustration over the slow progress in ending the war, particularly with Zelenskiy, criticizing the Ukrainian leader for rejecting Russian sovereignty over Crimea, as it contravenes Ukraine’s constitution.
These developments have heightened concerns among Kyiv and its allies that Trump’s eagerness for a deal might compromise European collective security.
The U.S. President also criticized Putin after a significant missile and drone strike on Kyiv, deeming it “Not necessary, and very bad timing,” urging Putin to cease actions immediately.
This story originally appeared on Fortune.com.
