Bangladesh, Jan. 26 -- During a high-stakes presidential debate in Philadelphia last September, Donald Trump made a bold proclamation about the war in Ukraine: “That is a war thats dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president.” This audacious claim became a central theme of his campaign, with frequent assertions that he could end the conflict within 24 hours of assuming office. However, as the first days of his second term unfold, Trumps approach to Ukraine reveals a nuanced and evolving strategy that departs from his campaign rhetoric.

Since winning the presidential election in early November, Trump has adopted a more pragmatic tone regarding the Ukraine conflict. On his first day back in the Ova...