Trump blames Ukraine over war with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by blaming Ukraine for its ongoing war with Russia, suggesting that Kyiv could have reached a settlement to prevent the conflict. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump expressed his frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for complaining about being excluded from negotiations between the United States and Russia.

Trump’s Criticism of Ukraine’s Diplomacy

Trump’s remarks came after Ukraine voiced dissatisfaction with being sidelined in U.S.-Russia discussions aimed at ending the war. He argued that Kyiv had ample time to negotiate an agreement before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, implying that Ukraine’s failure to do so resulted in unnecessary territorial losses.

“I’m very disappointed. I hear they’re upset about not having a seat [at the talks],” Trump stated. “Well, they’ve been there for three years. They should have never let it come to this. A decent negotiator could have made a deal without losing so much land.”

His comments align with his longstanding criticism of Ukraine’s handling of the conflict, reinforcing his belief that diplomacy should have been prioritized over military resistance.

Beyond his critique of Ukraine’s past diplomatic strategies, Trump also pressed Zelenskyy to hold elections, a demand that mirrors one of Russia’s key conditions in the peace process. Ukraine has postponed elections due to martial law, implemented after Russia’s invasion. However, Trump questioned this decision, highlighting that democracy should continue even in times of war.

“That’s not a Russian demand,” he stated. “That’s coming from me and other nations. Ukraine has essentially been under martial law, and its leader, who, by the way, has a 4% approval rating, has remained in power without an election. The country is in ruins, its cities destroyed.”

Zelenskyy has defended his leadership, maintaining that he remains in office because the majority of Ukrainians still support him. In an interview with German broadcaster ARD, he emphasized his legitimacy, noting that he was elected in 2019 with a landslide victory. “I am still president because my people want me to be,” he said. “Russia wants to remove me politically because I am a major obstacle to their plans.”

Trump’s Changing Approach to Russia

Trump’s statements have raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that his willingness to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to significant concessions favoring Moscow. The former president recently announced that he and Putin had agreed to begin peace negotiations, with an initial meeting likely to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Despite concerns from allies, Trump remains confident that he can resolve the war. “I think I have the power to end this war, and things are moving in the right direction,” he said. He also suggested that Russia is open to a deal and eager to end the conflict.

European officials, however, are skeptical. Many worry that Trump’s approach undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and emboldens Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Western unity should not be compromised. “Russia will try to divide us,” she stated. “We must not fall into their trap. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved on Ukraine’s terms.”

European and U.S. Reactions

Trump’s statements have drawn sharp criticism from American and European officials alike. Sean Savett, a former spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, accused Trump of embracing Russian propaganda. “Putin launched an unprovoked war against Ukraine. His forces have committed war crimes. Russia alone is responsible for this war continuing,” Savett posted on social media.

Despite these criticisms, Trump has continued to present himself as a peacemaker, even suggesting that European nations should contribute peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. “If they want to do that, I think it’s great,” he said. “France and Britain have shown interest, and I think it’s a beautiful gesture. The U.S. wouldn’t need to be involved because we’re far away.”

However, Moscow has already dismissed the idea of NATO-led peacekeepers in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia would not accept foreign troops under any peace agreement.

A Shift in U.S. Policy?

Trump’s increasing engagement with Russia and his criticism of Ukraine suggest a significant shift in U.S. policy. His willingness to negotiate directly with Putin, while pressuring Kyiv to compromise, marks a departure from the stance of the Biden administration, which has consistently supported Ukraine’s right to defend itself.

As Trump moves forward with his proposed peace talks, the international community remains divided. While some view his efforts as a path toward ending the war, others fear that his approach could weaken Ukraine’s position and reward Russian aggression. The coming months will reveal whether Trump’s strategy can bring about an actual resolution, or if it will deepen tensions between the West and Russia.