Colonel Beridze: Trump will realize only path to ending war is continued support for Kyiv

In this interview with Front News, Colonel Lasha Beridze discusses the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump’s approach to negotiations, and Russia’s unyielding stance. Beridze offers insight into the challenges of mediation, the implications of potential peace agreements, and the internal pressures Putin faces.

Front News: Trump has often stated that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but after over 100 days in office, a peace agreement still seems elusive. He continues to insist that Putin wants to end the conflict. How do you view Trump’s position?

Lasha Beridze: Donald Trump initially created the expectation that he had the leverage to convince Putin to stop the war, both to himself and to the American public. But the reality is starkly different. This is a long-term conflict, and Trump simply does not have the means to resolve it. Putin’s position is clear: “Give me everything, and I will cease fire.” No matter what the West or Trump offers, Russia’s demands are non-negotiable. As for Trump’s offer to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in exchange for a ceasefire, it’s a non-starter for Ukraine. In the real world, Putin will not relent; he wants more land, and his ambitions extend beyond any ceasefire.

Front News: Trump has also suggested that Ukraine might have to cede Crimea to reach an agreement. Who, in your view, would need Trump’s mediation if that were the case?

Lasha Beridze: If Ukraine were to surrender Crimea, what would Trump’s role even be? If Ukraine agreed to give up its territories, it wouldn’t require Trump’s intervention. Zelenskyy could make the decision himself, and Russia would likely accept it. However, Ukraine would never agree to such terms. No Ukrainian leader would dare to surrender these territories legally, especially Crimea, and no one in Europe would allow it. So, despite Trump’s assertions, the reality is that he can’t change this outcome. Ultimately, the only viable path for Ukraine is continued support from the West, especially the US, to maintain its leadership and alliances.

Front News: There has been some talk after Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Putin that Russia might give up the remaining four occupied regions in exchange for Crimea and a freeze in hostilities. Do you think this is a legitimate possibility?

Lasha Beridze: Witkoff is an astute businessman, but politically, he’s out of his depth. If he truly understood Russia’s tactics, he would realize that Putin does not intend to give up anything. Russia’s position is clear – they’ll agree to talks only on their own terms. They want to control Ukrainian territories, and no amount of diplomacy will change that. As for any agreement, it would be a temporary respite for Russia, allowing them to regroup before launching new offensives.

Front News: Trump has threatened that the US might withdraw from negotiations, with Rubio signaling this as a possibility. How serious is this threat, and who would it affect?

Lasha Beridze: I believe Putin is simply amused by such threats. When Trump says he might withdraw, it carries little weight. Russia has weathered sanctions and will continue to do so. The real threat to Russia is continued military aid to Ukraine, not empty threats. Trump’s statements, in this case, seem to be more about positioning and maintaining an image. Putin is likely indifferent to these threats and will press on with his strategy regardless.

Front News: If Putin were to end the war, he would likely face significant internal challenges, as some argue that he would be seen as losing the war. Do you think Putin is under pressure from his inner circle to continue the conflict?

Lasha Beridze: Many self-proclaimed experts claim to understand Russian politics, but in reality, few grasp its complexities. If Putin were to end the war now, he would be left with a large, idle military and no clear path forward. For him, the war is not just about Russia’s geopolitical objectives; it’s about preserving his own power. Stopping the war would risk a significant loss of face and might even trigger unrest within his circle. He cannot afford to be seen as weak. Therefore, it seems he will continue the war, regardless of the cost to Russia as a nation, until Ukraine surrenders.

Front News: The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Sirsky, recently stated that Russian forces are intensifying their military operations, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses. Do you think Putin’s calls for a ceasefire are genuine, or is this just another tactic to buy time?

Lasha Beridze: Putin’s ceasefire declarations are purely for show, aimed at misleading Western audiences. During the so-called ceasefire over Easter, Ukrainian territories continued to be bombed. Those who understand Russia’s history and Putin’s tactics know that he has no intention of honoring any ceasefire. This is just a propaganda tool. Putin is playing a long game, trying to secure Russia’s future while he still has power. The war, for him, is not just a military engagement – it’s a matter of maintaining his position and legacy.

By Elza Paposhvili