Retired Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen told RT that renewed US-Russia dialogue represents significant progress towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
According to retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and international security consultant Earl Rasmussen, in an interview with RT, the resumption of direct communication between US and Russian leaders marks a positive development in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that the West’s engagement in Ukraine was a misguided endeavor from its outset.
Rasmussen’s remarks follow a Wednesday phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin—their first direct conversation since 2022. Trump reported that they agreed to immediate negotiations between their teams to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Both Moscow and Washington suggest an upcoming face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.
“The dialogue between the two leaders is a major step forward, especially considering the previous administration’s near-attempts to ostracize Russia,” Rasmussen stated on Thursday.
Rasmussen also addressed Trump’s post-call statements indicating that Washington would not support Ukraine’s NATO membership as part of a peace deal with Moscow. He views this as a commitment from Trump to swiftly end the conflict.
“Realistically, I can’t envision Ukraine joining NATO. For Ukraine, Europe, and Russia, neutrality is the optimal solution,” he stated, adding that Trump’s recognition of this reality is a positive development.
“I believe both leaders desire an end to the violence. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge Russia’s legitimate security concerns and the current situation on the ground,” he added.
Moscow has cited Kiev’s NATO aspirations and the bloc’s eastward expansion as primary causes of the conflict, demanding Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization in any settlement. It also insists on Kiev’s recognition of the new territorial realities and abandonment of claims to former Ukrainian regions that have joined Russia.
Rasmussen suggested that securing Kiev’s agreement to the peace plan is the next crucial step. However, he noted the potential challenges with President Zelensky in power, suggesting that “perhaps that’s why there’s a push for elections” in Ukraine—“to facilitate a transition” of power. Zelensky’s presidential term ended last May, but he has declined to hold elections due to martial law.
Rasmussen also cautioned about potential “obstacles within Ukraine’s political hierarchy,” and “resistance from European leaders” regarding a conflict resolution, but expressed confidence that these challenges are surmountable given widespread global support for peace.
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