Trump: Ukraine War a “Bloodbath” and China Faces a Last Chance

US President Donald Trump made statements about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, describing it as a “bloodbath,” adding, “Ukraine can win the war, but I don’t think so.” He also noted that “the situation is complex, and we are working on reaching a deal,” explaining that “most of those killed in Ukraine and Russia are soldiers,” and that “NATO is paying for the weapons sent to Ukraine.”

Trump’s statements came during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, where he announced discussions on important files including trade relations, the submarine deal, and rare metals. He affirmed that Washington and Canberra would soon sign a new agreement on vital minerals.

Trump asserted that “the submarine deal with Australia may deter China,” pointing out that “the American and Australian armies are cooperating closely,” noting that “the United States is ahead of China in everything except the number of warships.”

Trump revealed that “China will pay customs duties of 155% if it does not sign an agreement with us by the first of next month,” explaining that “customs duties have always been an effective tool to end wars,” and added, “I use duties to achieve the interests of the United States, and I expect China to come to the negotiating table.”

He indicated that “China has treated us with great respect,” explaining that “when they threatened us with rare metals, I threatened them with customs duties,” affirming, “We want China to buy American soybeans,” and revealed that he “will visit China at the beginning of next year.”

Trump’s statements were not without a tone of warning towards his allies and adversaries alike, as he threatened Spain with sanctions if it did not raise its military spending to 5% of its GDP.

On the Iranian file, Trump said that “bombing was a condition for understanding in the Middle East,” adding, “We would not have reached any agreement if we had not bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities,” and revealed that American pilots told him that they had “practiced bombing Iranian facilities for 22 years.”

As for Gaza, Trump considered that “what happened is not related to the leadership of Hamas but to some rebels,” describing them as “a violent group that killed many.” He affirmed that “the United States did not give Israel permission to return to Gaza,” stressing, “I will not send soldiers there, but we will eliminate Hamas if it does not abide by the agreement.”

Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of lithium, cobalt, manganese, and rare metals, which are essential elements in advanced technological industries, from semiconductors to electric vehicles. As Washington seeks to reduce dependence on Beijing, Canberra emerges as a pivotal strategic ally in global supply chains.

Australia seeks to secure Trump’s full support for the “AUKUS” agreement concluded in 2021 with the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes supplying it with three “Virginia” class nuclear submarines and transferring the technology needed to build local submarines within 15 years.