What leverage will enable Trump to achieve peace in Ukraine?

To force the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to the table and begin serious peace talks, US President Donald Trump needs leverage. Steven Pifer, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, believes that this should include military aid to Ukraine, strengthening Russian sanctions, and working with the G7 to seize frozen Russian assets.

Trump’s first step should be to request a bill from Congress that would provide $40-50B in military aid to Ukraine. This money would be spent in the US either to purchase new weapons for the US military to replace stockpiled weapons that are exported to Ukraine or on contracts with American defense firms to purchase weapons for Ukraine.

Trump should also force his administration to work with US allies to tighten sanctions and further burden the Russian economy. Finally, the US president should work with the G7 and the Europeans to seize about $300B in frozen assets belonging to the Russian Central Bank and transfer them to a fund for Ukraine’s military needs and reconstruction.

These actions would provide the best negotiation position and, if successful, would strengthen Trump’s position and influence on the global stage.