NEW YORK — Business leader and commentator Steve Forbes outlined what he sees as the key challenge for the Trump administration in pursuing peace in Ukraine: the need to balance diplomacy with decisive military and economic pressure.

“Here’s the paradox the Trump Administration must face up to in order to achieve real peace in Ukraine,” Forbes explained. “In order to win peace and end Russia’s war of aggression, the administration must supply Ukraine with greater weaponry while imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.”

Forbes argued that only by strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and increasing the economic costs on Moscow can Washington push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a meaningful settlement.

His remarks reflect a growing debate in U.S. policy circles over how to end the conflict while ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security remain protected.