Donald Trump may give Ukraine go-ahead to launch missiles at Russia, claims ex-MI6 chief
Despite the initial shockwaves sent through the international community after Donald Trump’s re-election, the former head of MI6 has offered a surprising take on the situation. Sir Richard Dearlove suggests that Trump’s victory could actually be beneficial for Ukraine amidst their tensions with Russia.
Leaked documents hint at a softer stance, but Dearlove believes Trump might be the key figure to intensify pressure on Vladimir Putin. Reports are circulating that Trump may even greenlight Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russia.
According to the Sun, Dearlove expressed confidence in Trump’s resolve, stating: “An awful lot of people are throwing their toys out of the pram and being very alarmed at this point in time. But I think we need to be much more balanced, much more reserved and, you know, take stock.”
He also mentioned the potential for Trump’s administration to push for a deal in Ukraine, saying, “Obviously there’s going to be momentum generated by his administration for some sort of deal or settlement in Ukraine.”
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Post-election, Trump reportedly engaged in talks with President Zelensky of Ukraine to discuss ending the conflict. The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump’s proposed strategy includes creating a demilitarised zone and a 20-year NATO membership moratorium for Kyiv, reports the Express.
In exchange, the US would continue supplying arms to Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression, but without committing troops or funding to enforce the proposed buffer zone.
Ukraine has been lobbying for the easing of restrictions on the use of American and British missiles, aiming to extend their reach into Russian territory. They argue that without air support to fend off enemy strikes, broader missile capabilities could significantly alter the conflict’s dynamics in repelling Russian forces.
However, Western allies have been hesitant to agree due to fears of escalating tensions between Putin and NATO.
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(Image: Getty))
Sir Dearlove commented: “I think that Trump is less risk averse than Biden was in terms of how American weapons might be used in Ukraine. So you could imagine a situation where he takes the restraints off Ukrainian use of longer range American missile capability which the Ukrainians will have.”
“The military balance that could be changed very rapidly if the Ukrainians are given the green light to strike more deeply into Russia. They’re fighting at a disadvantage that we all know about.”
Sir Dearlove also suggested that Putin’s regard for the potential future US president could benefit Ukraine. After Putin commended Trump for his ‘manly’ reaction to an assassination attempt and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue, Sir Dearlove believes it is “certainly possible” that Trump could leverage this respect to pressure Putin into negotiations.
He remarked: “I’ve always believed talking to ones enemies, if it’s possible, is probably better than having no lines of communication at all. The context of a talk between Putin and Trump is, in fact, Russian logistics in relation to the Ukrainian war, taking a bigger hammering.”
“We all know that Trump is transactional. You go into transactional negotiations with an advantage so I don’t think he’s going to want to play a weak hand.”
“And I just don’t see Trump in current circumstances selling Ukraine down the river, you know.”
