President Trump has been defending himself against accusations of favoring Russia over the United States. “I’m not aligned with Putin. I’m aligned with the United States of America and the good of the world,” Trump stated, addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the Oval Office. Despite this, recent actions by the U.S. government suggest a move away from support for Kyiv. Since taking office, Trump has implied that Ukraine provoked Russia’s invasion, aligning with Kremlin rhetoric. His strained relationship with President Zelenskyy dates back to a controversial 2019 phone call that led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Vice President JD Vance has also expressed skepticism about ongoing aid to Ukraine, questioning the priorities of supporting a foreign government over domestic needs. Trump’s foreign policy contrasts sharply with past administrations’ tougher stances towards Russia, drawing praise from Putin’s regime. Criticism from Democrats and some Republicans has accused Trump of abandoning Ukraine, while a partisan divide on the issue is evident in public opinion polls. The feud between Trump and Zelenskyy continues, with some Republican lawmakers supporting Ukraine while others suggest Zelenskyy’s resignation.
While Trump’s approach marks a departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy on Russia, efforts to improve relations with Moscow have been pursued by previous administrations, including the Obama administration’s “reset” with Russia.
Efforts to improve relations with Russia deteriorated after Putin’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, leading to a strained relationship between Biden and Zelenskyy. According to NBC News, Biden expressed frustration with Zelenskyy during a phone call in June 2022, admonishing him for not showing enough gratitude for the substantial military assistance provided by the U.S. to Kyiv. Despite the tension, Biden and his diplomatic team actively sought international support for Ukraine’s defense against Moscow, garnering backing from the United Kingdom, France, and other European allies.
The disagreement between Biden and Zelenskyy took place in a private phone conversation rather than a public confrontation in the Oval Office. During a meeting, Trump also urged Zelenskyy to display more gratitude, warning him about his lack of leverage in negotiations. The interaction escalated, resulting in Zelenskyy departing the U.S. without finalizing a minerals deal. “You must show more appreciation, because, let me be clear, you are in a weak position,” Trump emphasized.
