Former President Donald Trump has taken a surprising turn in his foreign policy stance by distancing himself from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, declaring, "It's not my affair." This statement came after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump appeared to step back from his previous commitment to press Moscow with additional economic sanctions, as reported by the New York Times.
Trump's decision, disclosed by officials involved in private discussions, has raised concerns among European allies who perceive his stance as a withdrawal of U.S. support for Ukraine after more than three years of conflict. Trump has communicated to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that the resolution to the war should be negotiated solely between Kyiv and Moscow.
During his campaign, Trump had boasted that he could bring peace within 24 hours, emphasizing his negotiating skills. However, the challenges in advancing talks with Putin, who has dismissed his proposals, have highlighted the limits of his approach. Even after agreeing to some of the Kremlin's demands—such as Ukraine not joining NATO or reclaiming occupied territories—Moscow remained unyielding.
Now, the former Republican president seeks to pivot the relationship with Russia towards economic matters. According to White House sources, Trump believes that new sanctions would hinder business opportunities and wants to prioritize bilateral trade, reversing his earlier threats of economic retaliation. "Russia wants to have large-scale trade with the United States once this catastrophic bloodshed ends, and I agree," he posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
This shift has left Europe isolated once again, following Trump's endorsement of Putin's decision regarding the dialogue he proposed in Istanbul, Turkey, which he did not attend, further dismissing the chance for negotiations with Zelensky. While the United Kingdom and the European Union push forward with new sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy, the United States is stepping back, creating a rift in NATO unity that Putin might exploit.
Trump has maintained that his goal is to "end a bloody and costly war that neither side can win." However, critics like former ambassador to Kyiv, Bridget Brink, argue that his administration's policy has been "pressuring the victim, not the aggressor." The lack of American commitment will be tested in upcoming G7 and NATO summits, where long-term support for Ukraine and the role the United States is willing to take against Russian expansionism will be discussed.
Key Questions on U.S. Policy Toward Russia and Ukraine
What is Donald Trump's current stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Donald Trump has distanced himself from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, declaring it "not his affair" and suggesting that the resolution should be negotiated directly between Kyiv and Moscow.
How has Trump's position affected U.S. relations with European allies?
Trump's withdrawal of support for Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies, as it suggests a retreat of U.S. backing in the conflict, potentially weakening NATO unity.
What are the implications of the U.S. stepping back from sanctioning Russia?
The U.S. stepping back from sanctioning Russia could hinder business opportunities and prioritize trade, but it also risks creating a divide in the global response to Russian aggression.