In a recent interview at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump stated that the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war is due to Ukraine, criticizing Ukrainian President Zelensky for failing to take measures to prevent the conflict. He noted that Ukraine could have reached an agreement with Russia to avoid the war, potentially preserving most of its territory without loss of life. Trump also said that if he were president, the Russia-Ukraine war would have never occurred.
Trump's remarks were made in response to Zelensky's criticism of Ukraine's exclusion from US-Russia talks. Zelensky claimed that Ukraine was not invited to the high-level US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia, which surprised Ukraine. Trump responded that Ukraine should have avoided the outbreak of war, stating, "You shouldn't let it start."
Trump also reiterated his ability to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, believing that if he were still president, this war would not have happened. During his campaign, he repeatedly claimed he would resolve the conflict swiftly and criticized the current government for failing to take effective measures.
Meanwhile, US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's participation, discussing ways to repair bilateral relations and seek an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The talks were successful, with both countries agreeing to restore embassy staffing and expressing a willingness to lift sanctions on Russia.
Trump's statements have drawn widespread attention, especially after he spoke with Putin and announced the initiation of a peace process, leaving European countries and Ukraine in shock. The EU and governments of France, Germany, Italy, and others have stated that solving the Ukraine issue must include Kyiv's participation and cannot bypass Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump has increasingly issued pro-Russian statements, criticizing NATO's expansion as the root cause of the Russia-Ukraine war. He stated that Russia is firmly against Ukraine joining NATO, while the US government seeks to extend the military alliance to Russia's doorstep, understanding Russia's stance. Trump also said that Ukraine should not retaliate when Russia invaded.
Trump's stance has sparked widespread controversy both domestically and internationally, particularly as he shows a more apparent inclination towards Russia.
