BURSTPresident-elect Trump on Monday expressed confidence that he could settle the war between Russia and Ukraine but also stressed that it would be difficult and possibly harder to solve than the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
Trump, speaking at a surprise news conference in Florida, called the war in Ukraine "carnage" and stressed it has to stop, but he acknowledged its challenges for the first time in detailed remarks.
He said the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas would be in a "good place" when he enters office for the first time, but he hesitated on Russia and Ukraine.
"I think actually more difficult is going to be the Russia-Ukraine situation," Trump said. "I see that as more difficult."
Trump noted the complexity of the war, citing North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
He also said he was opposed to the Biden administration's move last month authorizing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia.
"I don't think that should have been allowed," he said, "and certainly not just weeks before I take over. Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I wouldn't have had them do that, I think that was a big mistake."
Trump suggested he might reverse the long-range strike authorization, which allows Ukraine to use the prized Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russian positions.
Trump's pledge to end the war has sparked fears that he might cede territory in eastern Ukraine to Russia, but the incoming president has refused to offer details about his plan to stop the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested he would be open to giving up territory for now in return for NATO membership, but that is likely a nonstarter for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump had pledged on the campaign trail to end the war in Ukraine by the time he takes office. He had also at times claimed he would end the war in 24 hours.