Promised to Quickly End Conflicts: Gaza and Ukraine as First Goals of Trump's Foreign Policy

(Patria) - Apart from promising a return to the "America First" doctrine, President-elect Donald Trump did not provide details on what U.S. foreign policy will look like under his new administration.

But his early conversations with leaders after the election victory indicate that he aims to fulfill his promises to quickly end conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, writes Voice of America (VOA).

The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be the global backdrop as Trump and his "America First" foreign policy return to the White House.

- Nothing will stop me from keeping my word to you, the people. We will make America safe, strong, prosperous, powerful, and free again - Trump promises.

Trump's term begins on January 20, but he has already spoken with world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Moscow denies reports that Trump also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump campaigned on quickly ending the wars. Analysts say he is willing to deliver on that.

- When it comes to the Middle East, I think the message will be, in a way, 'hurry up and finish this war.' For Ukraine, it will be 'stop' - believes Charles Kupchan from the Council on Foreign Relations.

Trump has never explained how he will stop the wars, but he often criticizes the billions of dollars in U.S. aid going to Ukraine. A quick end to the war could mean major concessions from Kyiv, which Zelenskyy says is unlikely to happen.

- We want a just end to this war. I am sure that a quick end to the war brings losses - Zelenskyy said.

Given that North Korea is sending soldiers to help Moscow, the war in Ukraine could have broader geopolitical implications, at a time of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump must also address Israel, which appears focused on maximalist goals rather than a ceasefire, not only with Hamas in the Gaza Strip but also with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran's proxies in the region.

- We see the Iranian threat in all its components and the danger it poses. We also see great opportunities for Israel in the field of peace and its expansion - Netanyahu stated.

Trump has promised to be tough on trade, especially toward China. In his congratulatory message to Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "stable, healthy, and sustainable" relations.

Trump has also promised to curb immigration, vowing to mass deport undocumented immigrants.