Trump supports Ukraine but distances from Zelensky
In an interview with "The Atlantic," Donald Trump suggested that he might support Ukraine but not necessarily its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The former US President highlighted his difficulties in relations with the Ukrainian leader.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump, during his conversation with "The Atlantic," mentioned the possibility of supporting Ukraine, though not necessarily Zelensky.
- He emphasized that supporting Ukraine doesn't have to involve arms supplies; it could also mean implementing sanctions.
- The former US President stated that he does not view the conflict in Ukraine as his war and does not want America to be burdened by it.
Trump responded this way to a question from the magazine's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, about whether there is anything Putin could do to encourage the USA to side with Zelensky.
The US President responded by clarifying that while he is not necessarily on Zelensky's side, he does support Ukraine.
Trump admitted to having difficulties with Zelensky, recalling a moment in the Oval Office when, according to him, the Ukrainian leader did not grasp the situation. Referring to their public dispute at the White House, Trump suggested that Zelensky should have remained quiet after presenting his case, and criticized him for unnecessarily insisting on security guarantees.
Will Trump support Ukraine militarily?
When asked about the possibility of fully supporting Ukraine, including arms supplies, Trump stated that "it doesn't have to be weapons with ammunition," suggesting that sanctions could be equally effective. Despite this, he emphasized that it isn't his war and he doesn't want America to be burdened by it.
Trump also dismissed suggestions that his stance on Zelensky could unsettle other American allies, such as Taiwan or South Korea.
He argued that there is no need to sympathize with other countries, pointing out that many have prospered at the expense of the United States. He emphasized that his main priority is to protect American interests and ensure that the country remains strong and prosperous for the next hundred years.
