In a series of critical developments concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders expressed diverging views on how to address the situation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine had initiated the conflict, drawing criticism for allegedly echoing Russian propaganda. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for an international meeting to discuss the crisis, and China's President Xi Jinping outlined principles for resolving the conflict. The escalating tensions have prompted Denmark to announce significant military enhancements, reflecting the growing international stakes.
During a recent speech, Trump indicated that Ukraine bore responsibility for the conflict, stating, "Today I heard, 'Oh, we weren't invited.' Well you've been there for three years, you should have ended it … you should have never started it. You could have made a deal." This statement was met with sharp criticism from political analysts and officials who accused him of "buying Putin's propaganda." White House spokesperson Sean Savett countered Trump's claims, emphasizing that "Putin started the war by invading Ukraine unprovoked and his forces have committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people."
In efforts to find a diplomatic solution, President Macron announced an upcoming meeting on Ukraine involving several European and non-European states. This initiative aligns with China's President Xi Jinping's call for respecting sovereignty, adhering to the UN Charter, acknowledging legitimate security concerns, and supporting peaceful resolutions. China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, reiterated this stance at the UN Security Council, affirming China's support for peace talks.
Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, military actions continue to unfold on the ground. Ukraine's military reported that a drone squad successfully targeted a rare North Korean self-propelled howitzer in the Luhansk region. This marks the first time such a weapon has been hit since the invasion began. Concurrently, Russia claimed its air defenses downed 21 Ukrainian drones in a single hour, though these claims remain unverified.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans for a significant rearming of Denmark's military in response to perceived Russian threats. As one of Ukraine's strongest backers, Denmark is expected to unveil a 50 billion kroner fund for additional defense spending. Frederiksen emphasized the necessity of this move, stating, "We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war."
In Saudi Arabia, peace talks between the U.S. and Russia proceeded without Ukrainian or European representation—a decision criticized as a misstep. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had expressed a desire for Ukraine's participation, but his efforts were thwarted by U.S. and Russian refusals.