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Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Trump shifts tone on Ukraine amid frustration with Putin: FT
Over the past week, Trump has stated that he plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons, such as Patriot air defense systems, while also indicating his readiness to impose significantly harsher sanctions on Moscow and criticizing the Russian president. He also pledged to release a "major statement" regarding the Ukraine war this upcoming Monday but provided no further details. 'We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin,' Trump stated on Tuesday, adding, 'He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.' Trump's anger marks a significant change in the White House's tone, the Financial Times reported, as the president had spent the initial months of his second term repeatedly accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being responsible for the conflict, even publicly rebuking him in a notorious Oval Office confrontation in late February. Since then, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russia's refusal to compromise in negotiations over a potential ceasefire, which would help facilitate a lasting resolution, a key foreign policy objective for the US president. While Trump's shift on Putin provides some relief that Washington will not abandon Ukraine, it does not mean Kiev is out of the woods just yet. Max Bergmann from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, told the FT that Trump's tougher stance serves as a warning to Russia and Putin, signaling his frustration with their delaying tactics. However, Bergmann cautioned that this does not necessarily indicate a major shift in US policy, suggesting Washington is unlikely to suddenly become a stronger ally or more substantial supporter of Ukraine than it has been so far. During last month's NATO summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that his top priority was securing air defenses to protect cities from Russian attacks, according to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Following Trump's recent pledge to send additional Patriot systems to NATO allies for Ukraine, Shaheen cautiously welcomed the move, stating it would be positive if the president actually delivers on his promise. In his Friday evening address delivered from Kiev, Zelensky noted that the geopolitical momentum appeared to be turning in Ukraine's favor as he stated, "We have received political signals at the highest level — good signals, particularly from the United States of America and from our European friends," while emphasizing these encouraging developments. Zelensky also mentioned that Kiev would engage in discussions about military cooperation with Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, in the coming week, while expressing anticipation for significant actions regarding sanctions as well. While Trump's tougher tone has sparked cautious optimism in Europe about a possible shift in his approach, two senior officials engaged in defense and security talks with Washington noted that there remains scant concrete evidence of the administration adopting a stronger pro-Ukraine position. According to the officials, Ukraine's Western allies continued to operate under the assumption that Trump still viewed Putin as his principal counterpart in any potential peace agreement while considering Zelensky the major impediment to reaching a viable resolution. The officials further noted that although Patriot systems were essential for strengthening Ukraine's defensive capabilities to protect both its military forces and urban centers, these weapons would not enhance Kiev's offensive capacity to retaliate against Russia nor alter the fundamental balance of the conflict. 'There's a little bit of overexcitement based on a shift in tone,' one of the officials told the Financial Times, noting, 'But we're not seeing that translate into major actions.' Rachel Rizzo, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, suggested that Trump's recent announcement likely stemmed more from his growing irritation with Putin rather than any particular fondness for Zelensky or genuine backing for Ukraine. Zelensky has grown more adept at handling Trump after the Oval Office clash, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron coaching him to shower the US president with effusive praise and consistently express gratitude for Washington's support, according to officials familiar with the discussions. Ukraine continues to navigate an administration where doubts about aiding Kiev remain widespread, stemming both from officials who argue the US should prioritize Asia over Europe and those who fundamentally oppose foreign intervention. 'What we have seen is a lack of consistency in this administration's approach to Ukraine, and what we need to do to support ending that conflict and pressuring Russia,' Shaheen stated to the FT. The Trump administration maintains its engagement in negotiations with Moscow, as demonstrated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during discussions in Malaysia this week, though the talks failed to produce any significant progress. Rubio informed reporters that Russia had shown a modified "approach" during the talks while withholding specific details and cautiously, stating, "I wouldn't characterise it as something that guarantees a peace," without suggesting any concrete diplomatic progress had been made. Lavrov emphasized the Kremlin's unwillingness to compromise on Putin's maximalist demands, directly informing Rubio that he had "confirmed the position Putin has put out" without indicating any flexibility in Russia's stance. 'It was obvious from the first talks after inauguration that Putin wasn't interested in peace except on his terms. He thinks he can win the war,' Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, told the FT. 'Putin decided there's no point doing a deal with the US because western support for Ukraine is fracturing anyway. We'll have to see on the battlefield if he was right," Gabuev added.
Free Malaysia Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
US envoy Kellogg arrives in Ukraine for defence talks
US President Donald Trump said he would issue a 'major statement' on the Russia-Ukraine war as he meets with Nato's secretary general. (AP pic) KYIV : US envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on Monday for defence talks with senior leadership after US President Donald Trump announced new Patriot air defence systems supplies to Ukraine. The visit – more than three years into the Kremlin's invasion – comes as Russian forces killed three civilians in east Ukraine and launched dozens of long-range drones at targets across the country. 'We welcome US special representative Keith Kellogg to Ukraine,' Andriy Yermak, a top aide to the Ukrainian president wrote on social media. 'Russia does not want to cease fire. Peace through strength is the principle of US President Donald Trump, and we support this approach,' Yermak added, alongside images of him welcoming Kellogg at Kyiv's central train station. Washington had said this month it would pause some arms deliveries to Kyiv but Trump has changed tack, criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin for intensifying attacks as US-led peace talks stalled. Trump said this weekend Washington would also supply Kyiv with more Patriot air defence batteries, but added that the US would not pay for them. Kellogg's visit comes as the US president is set to meet with Nato's secretary general Mark Rutte in Washington later on Monday. Trump has said he would issue a 'major statement' on the war on Monday. Russian forces meanwhile said on Monday they had claimed new territory in eastern Ukraine with the capture of two villages, one in the Donetsk region and another in the Zaporizhzhia region. Moscow claimed to have annexed both almost three years ago despite not having full military control over them. Its forces also killed at least three civilians in the eastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions on Monday, regional Ukrainian officials announced. Moscow has stepped up aerial strikes on Ukraine over recent months, launching hundreds of drones almost on a daily basis. The Ukrainian air force said Monday Russia had launched 136 drones and four missiles at Ukraine.
News.com.au
14-07-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Trump expected to outline Ukraine weapons plan
Donald Trump was reportedly expected to lay out Monday a fresh strategy for arming Ukraine as his special envoy arrived in Kyiv after weeks of the US president's growing frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a U-turn that has highlighted concerns in Kyiv over the consistency of American support, Trump said this weekend that he would send vital Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine to help it fend off escalating barrages of Russian attacks. Major US outlets like the New York Times and Axios reported Trump will announce a plan that also includes offensive weapons for Ukraine. Putin has refused to halt his more than three-year invasion despite being corralled into peace talks with Ukraine by Trump, drawing increasing scorn and anger from the US president. Moscow has also unleashed record waves of drone and missile strikes over the past few weeks, with the number of Ukrainian civilians killed or wounded in June hitting a three-year high, according to UN figures. The Republican has teased a "major statement" on Russia to be made later on Monday, with NATO chief Mark Rutte visiting the White House. In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelensky hailed a "productive meeting" with Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg. "We discussed the path to peace and what we can practically do together to bring it closer," Zelensky wrote on social media after the meeting. "This includes strengthening Ukraine's air defense, joint production, and procurement of defence weapons in collaboration with Europe," he added. Zelensky also said he was "grateful to President Trump for the important signals of support and the positive decisions for both our countries," in an apparent reference to the pledge of new Patriots. Washington had said earlier this month it would pause some arms deliveries to Kyiv but Trump has changed tack, criticising Putin for intensifying attacks as US-led peace talks stalled. - 'Better late than never' - Trump has also hinted he might be ready to slap sanctions on Moscow as momentum grows for a deterrent package in Congress. When asked about whether he would announce any levies against Russia, Trump responded on Sunday: "We're going to see what we will see tomorrow, OK?" Zelensky has called for fresh sanctions on Russia and countries that aid its war efforts. "It is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength," Zelensky said. Asked what Europe expects from Trump's announcement later Monday, a German government source said: "In concrete terms I think it means that from the US side, there will be approvals for the delivery of certain weapons." "There is an expectation from the American side that there will be considerable financial contributions to this end from the European side," the source added. One Ukrainian soldier deployed in the war-scarred east of the country, who identified himself by his call sign Grizzly, welcomed Trump's promise of fresh air defence systems. "Better late than never," he told AFP. "Because while we are here defending the front line, our families are unprotected. Thanks to the Patriots they are giving us, our families will be safer," the 29-year-old added. Russian forces meanwhile said on Monday they had captured new territory in eastern Ukraine with the seizure of two villages, one in the Donetsk region and another in the Zaporizhzhia region. Moscow claimed to have annexed both almost three years ago despite not having full military control over them. Its forces also killed at least three civilians in the eastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions on Monday, regional Ukrainian officials announced. In Kyiv, Zelensky also proposed a major political shake-up, recommending economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko take over as the country's new prime minister to "significantly renew" the government's work. Svyrydenko led negotiations on the US-Ukraine minerals deal that had triggered tensions between Zelensky and Trump after the Republican returned to the White House.
The Hill
14-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Russia's Palm Sunday attack against Ukraine triggers calls for more US pressure on Putin
A devastating Russian attack against Ukraine on Palm Sunday, coming days after Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands with President Trump's top negotiator, is raising doubt over the U.S. strategy in ceasefire talks with Moscow. Ukraine, its allies and supporters say the Sumy strike, which killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 119, is further evidence that Russia is not committed to any type of ceasefire and needs to be backed into a corner under sanctions. 'Only real pressure on Russia can stop this,' Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky posted Monday on X. 'Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it — with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump,' French President Emanuel Macron said in a post on X. 'Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners.' The Trump administration has sent conflicting messages on the Ukraine-Russia war, with Keith Kellogg, the special envoy to Ukraine, blasting Russia in a post on X for a targeted attack on civilians. That message appeared to contradict Trump's earlier assertions that the Russian strike was a 'mistake'. 'Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency,' Kellogg wrote. 'There are scores of civilian[s] dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war.' Russia claimed the strike on Sumy targeted a gathering of senior military officers and accused Kyiv of using civilians as a human shield by holding military meetings in the city's center. Trump on Sunday said he'd been told the attack, which he described as 'terrible,' had been a mistake. Asked what he meant when he said it was a 'mistake,' Trump demurred and blamed former President Biden for allowing the war between Russia and Ukraine to start. 'They made a mistake. I believe it was — look, you're gonna ask them,' Trump said. 'This is Biden's war. This is not my war. This is a war that was under Biden. … I'm just trying to get it stopped so that we can save a lot of lives.' On Monday, Trump put the most blame on Putin for starting the war with Ukraine, but also criticized Zelensky as well as Biden. 'Let's say Putin number one, but let's say Biden, who had no idea what the hell he was doing, number two, and Zelensky,' Trump said. Trump brushed off a question from a reporter on Zelensky's offer to buy Patriot Air Defense systems and doubled down on criticism against the Ukrainian leader. 'He's always looking to purchase missiles,' Trump said flippantly, appearing to blame Zelensky for Russia's invasion. Trump may also have been unhappy with remarks by Zelensky in an interview with CBS's '60 minutes.' In the interview, Zelensky criticized Trump and Vice President Vance as not only having a shift in tone on the war, but a 'shift in reality.' Zelensky also said the two are vulnerable to Russia's 'information policy' – its propaganda campaign that seeks to justify its unprovoked war of aggression. Zelensky took a bold move in making these comments. Ukraine, and Europe, are highly dependent on America's military power and neither are in a position to make up any shortfall that would come from Trump cutting off support. Zelensky learned a hard lesson when Trump paused military deliveries and intelligence sharing with Ukraine for nearly two weeks, following the confrontation between the Ukrainian leader, Trump and Vance in the Oval Office at the end of February. 'What happened with pausing weapons supply and intelligence sharing, was critical for us and this can never happen again, because this is crucial, not only for this war but for the future of Europe,' Oleksandra Ustinova, chairwoman of Ukraine's Parliamentary Temporary Special Commission on Arms Control, told The Hill. Ustinova was in Washington earlier this month reinforcing the argument on Capitol Hill that Kyiv is a reliable partner compared to Russia, and urging Congress to push for more weapons deliveries to Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv's position in negotiations. 'The key message to take from this meeting for us and around Capitol Hill, Ukraine has proved to be a reliable partner for the United States, we've signed every deal that is being asked from us, starting with the Budapest Memorandum when we gave up our nukes,' she said, referring to the 1994 agreement that was supposed to guarantee Ukraine's security in exchange for it forfeiting the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons on its territory. 'They are trying to exhaust our air defense and this is why it's critical for us, from our American partners – because nobody else can provide those – to protect our civilians while negotiations are going on,' Ustinova continued. 'We're fully supportive of negotiations. We are the number one country in this world who want this war to be over. But we want a full ceasefire, not a partial one that Putin can benefit from.' The Sumy attack was one of the deadliest strikes on civilians throughout the war and that followed a Russian strike on April 4 against Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, including nine children. But these atrocities are unlikely to dramatically change Trump's position or provide impetus for Europe to do more than what it is already doing, said Linas Kojala, CEO of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center based in Lithuania. 'This is unfortunately just a confirmation of the interpretation of the reality on the ground that Russia does not try to achieve any sort of ceasefire, that it still continues its push to occupy more territories, and does not regard any lives as sacrosanct,' he said. Kojala said there are some positive signals from the Trump administration that the U.S. is not immediately or completely abandoning Ukraine, that intelligence sharing is still being provided and sanctions on Russia are still in place and apparently at full force. 'At least on the practical level, Ukraine is not yet pressured by the U.S. to lose this war by not getting access to things that they've gotten previously,' he said. 'So that's the only kind of thing that I could point to as a positive one.' Kojala said it would take Europe between two and 10 years to try and scale up to reach the capacity of support the U.S. provides, citing only a few specific examples – U.S. intelligence capabilities, the use of Starlink satellites for communications and operations, American leadership in NATO and the U.S. nuclear umbrella. 'If we lose all of it today, that's irreplaceable,' he said.
