Trump’s New Position on the War in Ukraine: Not My Problem – President Donald Trump has effectively signaled a withdrawal of American diplomatic will from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He has told European allies that any resolution must now come from direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, with no oversight from Washington.
Trump Might Be Done on Ukraine
Following a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Monday, Trump reportedly informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that the U.S. would not be participating in a proposed joint sanctions campaign against Russia.
The pivot arrives mere weeks after Trump publicly vowed that only he and Putin could end the war—and that he could achieve it in just one day. Now, he claims that peace must be “negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be,” signaling what many see as an abdication of American leadership on the issue.
Trump claims that more sanctions would hinder opportunities for “business” with Russia. In a characteristically brash statement, the president declared that there is “tremendous opportunity” for future U.S.-Russia trade, calling Russia’s economic potential “UNLIMITED.”
This about-face has caused dismay among European leaders and former American officials. Bridget Brink, who resigned as U.S. ambassador to Kyiv last month, minced no words in her assessment: “Peace at any price is not peace at all. It is appeasement.”
Her resignation followed an increasingly tense White House tone toward Ukraine, culminating in Trump’s Oval Office confrontation with Zelensky earlier this year.
However, just this week Kyiv said it had also proposed a trade deal with Washington.
While administration officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio insist that military aid and existing sanctions remain in place, the president’s tone suggests a waning appetite for continuing to diplomatically isolate Russia and bankroll Ukraine’s defense. Rubio attempted to reassure critics, stressing that “Putin woke up this morning” under the same slew of sanctions his country had already been subject to. But to plenty of observers, the subtext is unmistakable: Washington wants out.
Europe to Sanction Russia over the Ukraine War
Europe, meanwhile, is forging ahead. The UK has already announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s military, energy, and financial sectors, calling out what they have termed Putin’s “warmongering.” The EU is expected to unveil its 17th sanctions package soon. Still, Washington’s failure to partake in this coalition both weakens the strategy, and likely aids Putin’s propaganda machine.
Part of Trump’s appeal was his vow to end this war, but now he seems more keen on a business deal than a lasting peace.
About the Author:
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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