In a recent interview, President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine bore responsibility for Russia's invasion three years ago, stirring a fresh wave of controversy. Trump argued that Ukraine could have brokered a deal to prevent the conflict, emphasizing that such an agreement would have saved lives and preserved infrastructure. His comments came amid ongoing diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia to re-establish embassy staffing, a significant departure from previous American policy.
Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, discussing potential avenues for ending the war. His remarks appeared to bolster Putin, leaving the Ukrainian government concerned over its exclusion from these conversations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed dismay, noting that "Ukraine did not know anything about" these U.S.-Russia discussions. Zelenskyy's comments highlighted the unease felt by Kyiv over not being included in the talks held in Saudi Arabia.
During his interview with Fox News last month, Trump criticized Ukraine's resistance against the Russian invasion. He stated:
"You should have never started it."
Trump's assertion that Ukraine should not have fought back further fueled the controversy surrounding his stance on the issue. These statements were made during an appearance at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he claimed:
"I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it's going very well."
The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Trump's remarks. Meanwhile, Trump's comments have sparked debate over the appropriateness of his stance and the implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Despite Trump's assertion that he has been President for three years, his statements come at a critical juncture as diplomatic efforts continue. The re-establishment of embassy staffing between the U.S. and Russia signals a shift in American foreign policy, raising questions about future engagements with Ukraine.