Trump shifts toward Russia, intensifying pressure on Ukraine
Donald Trump has moved from criticizing Vladimir Putin to openly showing affinity for him while pressing Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a peace deal. The US president has eased some Russia-related restrictions, including temporarily relaxing sanctions on Russian diesel, and is considering a meeting with Putin and Xi Jinping without Zelensky.
Key points
- Trump said Russia had behaved "quite normally" toward Ukraine.
- Trump is pressing Zelensky to conclude a peace agreement with Putin.
- He hinted that Ukraine needs a new leader.
- The US eased some Russia-related restrictions and temporarily softened sanctions on Russian diesel.
- Trump is considering meeting Putin and Xi Jinping next month without Zelensky.
- Ukraine reported that a SpaceX satellite system installed on high-speed drones stopped working.
- About 78% of Americans say Trump's policies are at least partly responsible for rising prices, according to Reuters/Ipsos.
Why it matters
The shift in US policy could affect the peace negotiations, security support for Ukraine and broader international relations. Easing sanctions and purchasing Russian diesel may have economic and political consequences for Ukraine, Russia and global markets. Any restrictions on Ukraine's satellite communications or intelligence sharing could reduce its ability to strike Russian targets and defend against attacks.
What happened
Over the past month, Trump has shifted his approach to the war in Ukraine, moving from criticism of Putin to visible support for him. He said Russia had behaved normally toward Ukraine, suggested the war might be closer to ending than ever, and accused Ukraine of contributing to a global energy crisis through attacks on Russian oil refineries. At the same time, he weakened some restrictions on Russia and temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel, while considering a meeting with Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month without Zelensky's participation. Ukrainian officials also reported that a SpaceX satellite system installed on high-speed drones had stopped working, limiting Ukraine's ability to attack Russian targets and defend itself.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian sources emphasize the pressure Trump is placing on Zelensky, concerns about possible restrictions on Ukraine's satellite communications and intelligence sharing, and alarm over the apparent reversal in US policy. Ukraine's reported loss of satellite-system functionality is presented as a potential security constraint.
How international sources describe it
International coverage focuses on Trump's shift from criticizing Putin to demonstrating affinity for him, the easing of Russia-related sanctions and US purchases of Russian diesel. Analysts also consider the possible effect of the November US midterm elections, while public attention centers on energy prices and the cost of living.
Where reporting differs
Ukrainian officials suspect that the US is restricting Ukraine's satellite communications and intelligence sharing, but the Trump administration denies much of this. Trump blamed Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising diesel prices, whereas market analysts attributed most of the increase to supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz caused by the US war against Iran.
Background
Trump signed legislation promoting new sanctions and tariffs against Russia but later canceled or relaxed many of its restrictions. Ukrainian officials reported problems with a SpaceX satellite system, while the Trump administration rejected many claims about communications and intelligence-sharing restrictions. Trump also argued that settling the war in Ukraine could ease US economic pressure.