Here’s what actually happened.
President Donald Trump clarified his previous statement regarding the origins of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, acknowledging that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should never have happened. However, he maintained that it was not entirely Russia’s fault, as he believes the war could have been avoided with proper diplomacy. According to Trump, the situation escalated because key figures, including President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, made significant diplomatic errors.
Speaking on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump asserted that Russia could have been deterred from attacking Ukraine if the right people had been in charge. “Every time I say it’s not all Russia’s fault, the media attacks me,” Trump remarked, adding that the administration’s lack of skilled negotiators played a role in the conflict. “Russia is much bigger and stronger, and this should never have been a war. All those lives lost and cities destroyed could have been prevented.”
Trump also criticized Biden for mishandling the situation, calling him a “very dumb man” who had no idea what he was doing. He emphasized that the war could have been avoided through effective dialogue and strategic leadership. According to Trump, Putin, the Russian president, could have been easily persuaded to back down, had there been a competent leader in the White House.
The former president also suggested that, if given the chance, he would work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate the release of thousands of Ukrainian children taken by Russia during the conflict. Trump, who has previously touted his ability to engage with world leaders, noted that he had successful conversations with Putin and felt that the situation could be resolved with proper negotiation.
Trump’s critique of Ukraine’s leadership also intensified in recent days. He expressed his frustration with Zelensky, who he believes has made it difficult to negotiate peace. Trump’s comments reflect growing concerns among Republicans about the ongoing conflict and a desire to reassess U.S. involvement in the region.
The back-and-forth between the U.S. and Ukraine reached new heights after Zelensky was excluded from a series of diplomatic talks between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. This exclusion fueled tensions, with Zelensky accusing Trump of aligning with Russian “disinformation.” The situation also escalated following Zelensky’s rejection of a rare-earth minerals deal proposed by U.S. officials, which further exacerbated the rift.
Trump’s remarks highlight the deep divide within the Republican Party on foreign policy and the role the U.S. should play in international conflicts. As the war continues, many Americans are questioning the effectiveness of current strategies and whether a shift in leadership could bring about a more favorable resolution.