- March 20, 2025
- 4:33 pm
- World News
“Peace is impossible without serious pressure on Russia and HAMAS. And if Trump really wants to be a peacemaker, his task is not only to “pressure putin and Netanyahu” but also to make Russia and HAMAS sit at the negotiating table, taking into account the real threats they pose.”
“Trump must pressure putin and Netanyahu to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine” — this article was released by The Washington Post on March 19, 2025.
“It is often easier to start a war than to end it. President Donald Trump realizes this, trying to stop the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine — two conflicts that he promised to end quickly after taking office. To bring peace to both countries, Trump will have to pressure two leaders he has until now been reluctant to criticize publicly: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir putin”
But how accurate are the conclusions of the newspaper? In reality, both Israel and Ukraine are waging defensive wars. Why claim that they are waging aggressive actions?
“Netanyahu and putin pursue maximalist demands. Netanyahu wants the complete destruction of HAMAS, no role for external peacekeepers, no role for the Palestinian Authority, which now controls the West Bank, and permanent Israeli military presence. putin wants Ukraine to be neutralized and practically disarmed, with no EU peacekeepers, no possibility of joining NATO, and continuing Russian presence in illegally occupied territory,” the editorial board believes.
“Trump must decide. He has already threatened HAMAS and intimidated Ukraine. If he wants to be a peacemaker, he must put more effort into getting concessions from Israel and Russia,” the newspaper concluded.
Wars in Gaza and Ukraine: The Defensive Nature of the Conflicts
The editorial board of The Washington Post made a statement that bewildered many analysts. In their article, they claim that Donald Trump must pressure Russian President Vladimir putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “end” two major armed conflicts: in Gaza and in Ukraine. The main red thread in the WP article is that Trump must influence these leaders to achieve peace.
However, in this context, it is important to clarify that both Israel and Ukraine are, in fact, fighting defensive wars. Israel is responding to terrorist acts by HAMAS, protecting its citizens and territory, while Ukraine is fighting Russian aggression to protect its independence and territorial integrity.
Israel and Ukraine: Defense Against Aggression
For a more accurate understanding, it is important to note that in the case of Israel and Gaza, the peace process is impossible without considering HAMAS’ behavior. UN Secretary-General António Guterres states that he is “outraged” by Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza, yet fails to mention that HAMAS has rejected US proposals twice for extending the ceasefire and releasing hostages. HAMAS used the temporary ceasefire to rebuild its war machine, complicating the task of peaceful resolution.
HAMAS and its role in the conflict
For many years, HAMAS and its terrorist network have posed a threat to Israel’s security. This is not just a conflict with an armed group, but a fight against a system that promotes violence and terror. In such circumstances, it is difficult to speak of a peace process without considering the terror emanating from HAMAS.
59 Israelis Held Hostage in Gaza
Israel continues to fight for the return of every Israeli hostage, and we do not forget about the 59 Israelis who are still held hostage by HAMAS in Gaza. Their fate remains unknown, and the Israeli government’s efforts are focused on their release. This tragedy cannot be overlooked in the context of any peace initiatives. The return of these individuals is not just a political issue but a major humanitarian challenge that should be addressed by the international community.
Ukraine: Defending its Land from Russian Aggression
The situation in Ukraine is different in that Russia invaded the territory of a sovereign state, violating international law. Ukraine is fighting for its independence and freedom, battling an aggressor who seeks to destroy its sovereignty. However, the WP article also mentions that Donald Trump should intervene in the conflict to reach an agreement. However, many experts believe this position ignores the fact that Ukraine and its people are fighting for their lives and future.
putin and his reluctance for peace
“In other words, putin agreed just enough to appear interested in peace — and get what he clearly wanted, without giving up much in return. Soon after the phone call ended, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities resumed,” the editorial board writes.
putin continues his aggression against Ukraine, despite numerous international efforts to resolve the conflict. His political strategy is not to agree to peace and to continue expanding Russian influence. Ceasefire in Ukraine is impossible without significant pressure on russia, and this should become one of the priorities of world diplomacy.
Trump and his role in the conflict
The WP article emphasizes that Trump must put pressure on Netanyahu and putin to achieve peace. But in reality, Trump’s role in the peace process is not so simple. Trump himself has been involved in resolving certain issues in Gaza and Ukraine, but his approach to these conflicts raises questions.
Trump is likely still more oriented toward supporting Israel, given the long-standing alliance between the two countries. In the case of Ukraine, his policy may be ambiguous, especially given his recent statements regarding russia.
What is really needed for peace?
In order to achieve peace, it requires not just pressure on the leaders. It requires real readiness for compromise and understanding that a peaceful solution is impossible without taking into account the interests of all parties. In particular, for Ukraine, peace is important, but peace with respect for its territorial integrity. For Israel, the restoration of peace and security is important, but only based on real security guarantees from HAMAS and other terrorist organizations.
Why Peace is Impossible Without Real Pressure
Peace is impossible without serious pressure on russia and HAMAS. And if Trump really wants to be a peacemaker, his task is not only to pressure putin and Netanyahu, but to make them sit at the negotiating table, considering the real threats they pose.
NAnews – Israel News is confident that conflict resolution is possible, but it will require not just diplomacy, but also a readiness for real resolution of all contentious issues, including eliminating terrorist threats and ending external aggression.
Table: Pros and Cons of the Positions of the Parties in the Conflicts
| Party | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | Defensive war, protection of civilians | Need for elimination of terrorist networks, continued violence |
| Ukraine | Protection of territorial integrity, sovereignty | Continued aggression from russia |
| HAMAS | Promotion of violence, attempts to restore military strength | Terror, threat to regional security |
| putin | Military mobilization, control over occupied territories | Violation of international norms, continued aggression |
Conclusion
Trump certainly needs to take steps to accelerate the peace process. However, his efforts must be directed not only at putting pressure on putin and Netanyahu, but also at real interaction with those who pose a threat to peace. This concerns not only Ukraine but also Israel, whose security and fight against terrorism should be recognized by the international community as legitimate.
