Donald Trump stated that Russia has behaved perfectly towards Ukraine and that the Russians have not done much, or anything close to what they were capable of. He emphasised that he appreciates this restraint, and during his address did not refer to the simultaneous Russian attacks on Kyiv and Ukrainian energy facilities.
Russian forces carried out a heavy attack on Kyiv using more than 10 ballistic missiles, with numerous energy facilities across Ukraine targeted. In a separate incident, a Russian drone hit a park in Kharkiv, killing six people, including two children. Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure continue.
Trump focused on what he considers the restraint of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He confirmed he would be willing to participate in a joint meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but emphasised that the Ukraine war would not be the central topic of such a meeting. According to him, discussions should primarily relate to nuclear disarmament and reducing global security threats. The Wall Street Journal reported that Moscow sees the trilateral format as an opportunity to reach an agreement on Ukraine that would suit Russian interests, without the direct participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump praised the Chinese President, assessing that Beijing is taking a fair stance on the Ukraine issue. He also expressed satisfaction with the fact that Russia, in his assessment, is not significantly involved in the conflict between the United States and Iran. "Putin is staying away from Iran. That is good because we are strongly pressuring Iran, both economically and militarily," Trump stated, adding that the US administration had not noticed Russian moves that would represent a serious obstacle to US operations.
According to earlier media reports, Russia has provided Iran with various forms of assistance, including military equipment, missile development and intelligence information. US General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned of Russian support for Iran, while Putin promised Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian continued assistance and the delivery of necessary goods.
Trump claimed that the United States has provided enormous aid to Ukraine, but has not received corresponding benefit in return. "We gave a lot to Ukraine, and they gave us nothing," he said, suggesting that Kyiv should consider the possibility of appointing another person to lead negotiations on ending the war.
Trump's softer approach to Russia comes at a time of increased pressure on the US economy due to high energy prices. Ahead of the congressional elections, Trump announced the possibility of purchasing Russian diesel, despite sanctions that have for years restricted trade in Russian energy, and asked Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries. Kyiv considers Russian oil refineries an important part of the infrastructure for financing and maintaining Russian military operations. Such a policy has drawn criticism among US politicians from both parties, with opponents of rapprochement with Moscow warning that energy concessions could weaken pressure on the Kremlin and allow Russia additional revenues to continue the war.
