In a shocking turn of events, US President Donald Trump appeared to lay blame on Ukraine for the Russian invasion that has devastated the country for nearly three years. Speaking to reporters after US-Russia talks aimed at ending the conflict, Trump claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “should have never started it” and “could have made a deal” to avert war.
The stunning comments, which echo Russian talking points, drew swift condemnation from Kyiv and sparked deep concern among European allies. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denounced the “absurd and insulting” suggestion that Ukraine was at fault for an unprovoked invasion by Russia.
Fears of Sanctions Relief Spark Alarm
Trump’s remarks renewed fears that he may seek to lift sanctions on Russia as part of an effort to broker a peace deal in Ukraine. The US president said he was “much more confident” of reaching an agreement after “very good” talks with Russian officials, praising their desire to “stop the savage barbarism.”
European leaders, who have stood firmly united with Ukraine, reacted with alarm to the developments. In a pointed warning, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said “Russia will try to divide us. Let’s not walk into their traps.”
Allies Excluded from Talks Express Frustration
Frustrations also mounted among key European allies who were excluded from the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Only a small group of countries, hand-picked by Washington, took part in the first round of negotiations. More European nations are expected to join meetings in Paris, after loudly protesting their initial exclusion.
Sounds like Trump bought Putin’s propaganda hook, line, and sinker.
Sean Savett, Former White House National Security Council Spokesperson
Zelenskyy to Respond as Stakes Intensify
All eyes now turn to President Zelenskyy, who is expected to deliver a defiant rebuttal at a press conference today. For Ukraine, which has sacrificed immensely to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression, any deal that rewards Moscow is likely to be seen as a bitter betrayal.
As US envoy Keith Kellogg arrives in Kyiv for damage control, and European leaders scramble to coordinate a united front, the geopolitical stakes have rarely been higher. With the specter of appeasement looming, Zelenskyy faces a fateful stand to rally wavering allies and steer the course of the war that will define Ukraine’s future.
