Vike-Freiberga: Trump's Desire for a Nobel Prize Is Shaping Ukraine Peace Efforts

Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who served as President of Latvia from 1999 to 2007, commented on the difficult road to peace in Ukraine, where Russia's war continues, on the programme "Kas notiek Latvija?" ("What Is Happening in Latvia?"). She admitted she fears she can offer only bad forecasts.

Vike-Freiberga said she has been observing US President Donald Trump's attitude toward Russia. She asked where the sudden change of views came from, and who are now regarded as partners and who as enemies.

The Nobel Prize motive

The former president recalled that the Nobel Peace Prize was once awarded in Oslo to former US President Barack Obama. In her words, one could doubt whether it was deserved, but Trump has never forgiven anyone for it.

She believes Trump is desperately trying to receive the prize himself. She noted that in campaign speeches he said countless times that he could seat Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the negotiating table within a single day. In her view, the desire to win the prize is enormous, which is why he wants peace in Ukraine so badly.

Putin's claim about Zelensky

She said this desire is so strong that Trump even listens to Putin's claim that Zelensky is a dictator and an illegitimate leader.

These are the former president's personal assessments and conclusions, not confirmed facts about the US president's motives. Her remarks on the programme reflect her view of how the American position may affect efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.