Trump can end war in Ukraine with several calls – US defense expert
The war in Iran opens an opportunity for the U.S. administration to get more weapons for Ukraine with the help of the Gulf states but Europe has to be on board.
That's according to Dan Rice, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq war veteran now holding the position of President of American University Kyiv, who gave an exclusive comment to Ukrinform.
Rice also said the idea saw a warm reception in Washington "at the highest levels."
"President Trump has the credibility with all the key players to end the Ukraine war with tremendous pressure on Russia," said Rice, recalling that Trump has been consistent with being ready to supply weapons to Ukraine, but they would be paid for by the Europeans.
At the same time, he added, the Gulf states have not been too supportive of Ukraine and have donated little to support the war, while maintaining relations with Russia.
Given that Iran and Russia have been allies, the Iranian attacks against other countries in the region with missiles and Shahed drones "should be treated as an attack by Iran and Russia on those ten countries in the region."
"This is the greatest partnership building and fundraising opportunity in history. Those ten countries and all of Eastern Europe now know they are ill prepared. Who has the best air defenses in the world against Iranian and Russian Shaheds? Ukraine," Rice said.
He believes this opens an opportunity for Donald Trump to get the Gulf states to pay Ukraine for its expertise that will help them set up an integrated layered air defense network.
"This includes sophisticated acoustic sensors, electronic warfare, interceptors, proximity rounds, and a tactical operations center that integrates it to defend against 600 inbound Iranian or Russian missiles. As Ukraine has done," Rice said.
"President Trump can make three calls to UAE, Saudi and Qatar. Ask them to fund $10 billion to the PURL to buy U.S. weapons for Ukraine," he suggests. "Next call to NATO Secretary General Rutte to tell him President Trump just raised $30 billion to buy U.S. weapons. But it's provisional. The Gulf State funds are only available in 'matching form.' Europe needs to fund $30 billion in grants."
If Rutte commits to the idea, Trump's next call should be to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the expert said.
"In exchange for $60 billion in weapons, Ukraine could establish training centers to train and equip Europe and the Gulf states to defend themselves," Rice said, suggesting that Ukraine could accept the offer.
"Next call is to Putin: 'You don't have the cards'," said Rice. "Trump could make all these calls in one day. He said he would solve the war in 'one day.' He just didn't say which day."