Former UK defence chief criticizes Trump’s stance on Russia and Putin

Department of Research, Studies and International News 17-04-2025

Sir Grant Shapps, former UK Defence Minister, has sharply condemned Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine, accusing the former U.S. president of moral ambiguity and dangerous rhetoric. Speaking on the One Decision podcast, Shapps expressed deep disapproval of Trump’s characterization of a deadly Russian missile attack in Ukraine as merely a “mistake.”

Referring to the strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which claimed at least 35 lives and injured over 100 people, Trump stated it was “a terrible thing” but suggested it wasn’t intentional. Shapps compared this type of language to the evasive statements used by the IRA following civilian deaths during their campaigns, calling it “weasel language” and “appalling.”

“There is a clear moral line between a democratic nation and an authoritarian regime that jails, murders, and invades,” Shapps said. “It’s disheartening to see the leader of the free world blur that distinction.”

Shapps, who served in various cabinet roles before becoming Defence Secretary in 2023, was a prominent supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022. Although he lost his parliamentary seat during the most recent UK general election, he was honored with a knighthood this month.

Trump’s attitude toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin has long been a point of international concern. While on the campaign trail, Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine within a day. However, his actions, such as criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seeking mining concessions from Kyiv, and appointing a pro-Putin figure, Steve Witkoff, as a negotiator, have sparked outrage among allies.

Trump has also repeated the false claim that Zelenskyy initiated the war. These statements have raised alarms among foreign policy experts who fear his approach may embolden authoritarian leaders worldwide.

When asked if Putin might have leverage over Trump, Shapps alluded to past incidents, including Trump’s first impeachment, which stemmed from attempts to pressure Zelenskyy into investigating Joe Biden by withholding military aid. “Even if you’re aligned with Trump, you must realize that appeasing one dictator only opens the door for others,” Shapps warned. “What credibility will the West have if we turn a blind eye now?”