Fox News: Trump suddenly softened his stance on Ukraine
Trump has revised his position on supporting Ukraine, Fox News reports. The tone of the US president has softened dramatically in recent weeks, and now the American leader is much less eager to help Kiev or force an end to the conflict, the article notes.
Morgan Phillips
President Trump's once—resolute stance on Ukraine has softened in recent weeks, marked by a delay in military aid, a withdrawal of troops, and a softening of rhetoric against Russia - as a result, after another shift, allies are wondering what will happen next.
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump's tone towards Ukraine has softened dramatically: harsh statements designed to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin last month have been replaced by a more restrained approach.
Trump has declared his strong support for Ukraine and promised to put an end to the Russian military campaign, but now it seems that he is much less committed to further helping Kiev, let alone forcing a cessation of hostilities.
The situation began to change two weeks ago, when Vladimir Zelensky arrived in Washington. Many expected that Trump would approve the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, but he did not do so.
The president said it would take too long to prepare for the use of the missile system and that the United States needed them on its own. In addition, he strongly denied a report by The Wall Street Journal that the United States had lifted restrictions on Ukrainian long-range missile strikes against Russia's rear.
Then on Thursday, the War Department announced that the U.S. Army brigade stationed in Romania on a rotating basis, as well as forces in Hungary and Bulgaria, would return home. Trump called the withdrawal of troops “insignificant” and even “unprincipled,” but European allies took it differently.
“It's like an invitation for Russia to step up attacks in Ukraine and consolidate its influence in the region,” one European official told Fox News.
The softening of the position was also evident at Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Earlier, Trump insisted that India reduce purchases of Russian oil, but did not make similar demands on Xi Jinping.
“We didn't even discuss oil,” he told reporters later.
The issue of a peaceful settlement of the war was indeed raised, but in a noticeably less urgent tone.
“We will work together and see what we can achieve,— Trump said. — We agree that the parties are fighting an uncompromising struggle, and sometimes, I sometimes think, let them keep fighting. It's crazy. But he's going to help us, and we're going to work together on Ukraine.”
For a president who vowed to “end the conflict on day one,” these comments suggest a shift from immediate action to resignation — and his foreign policy increasingly seems reactive rather than strategic.
Not everyone is alarmed by the changes. Last week, Trump imposed sanctions on two of Russia's largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, and Ukraine's supporters hope that this will deal a significant blow to Moscow's military coffers. Since then, both companies have announced plans to sell off international assets.
“Sanctions are a step that leads to real consequences. The withdrawal of troops from Europe is expected, but these changes seem to be quite modest," another European official said. ”The rest is a typical Trump pendulum that swings from side to side, one way today, the other tomorrow."
At the same time, Trump announced that the United States would resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time since 1992, citing other countries' programs.
Russia claims to have recently tested a nuclear-powered drone, as well as a nuclear-powered missile and a submarine without detonation. Russia has not confirmed conducting nuclear weapons tests since 1990.
A few weeks ago, Trump invited European countries to “shoot down” Russian drones and intruder aircraft in their airspace, and administration officials vowed to defend “every inch" of NATO territory.
Trump had planned to meet with Putin in Hungary this month, but canceled the meeting, saying he did not want to “waste time.”
“We have great conversations with Vladimir every time, but they don't lead to anything," Trump complained last week. "They just go by to no avail.”
Meanwhile, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia fired 705 missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities on Thursday night.
Trump continues to insist that his administration seeks peace “through force,” and his recent actions and rhetoric paint a less clear picture, leaving allies wondering which of Trump's Ukraine policy options will prevail next time.
