Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Zelenskiy of instigating the war with Russia, indicating potential cuts to U.S. aid if re-elected. Despite the conflict beginning with Russia's 2014 invasion, Trump criticized Zelenskiy's leadership. This stance contrasts with Kamala Harris's commitment to support Ukraine, highlighting differing U.S. policy approaches towards the conflict.
WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Habertalya) - Former President Donald Trump asserted on the PBD Podcast that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is responsible for initiating the war with Russia. This statement, made on October 17th, further indicates Trump's potential to reduce US support for Ukraine should he win the November 5th election.
Trump's criticisms of Zelenskyy are longstanding, frequently labeling him a "great salesman" for securing billions in US military aid. However, this ignores key historical context: Zelenskyy's election in April 2019 came years after Russia's initial 2014 invasion of Crimea and incursion into eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Russia's occupation of Crimea persisted throughout Trump's presidency, despite US sanctions.
Trump further criticizes Zelenskyy for not pursuing peace with Moscow and suggests Ukraine should cede territory, a proposition Kyiv rejects. His podcast comments escalated this criticism, blaming Zelenskyy not only for failing to end the war but for its inception, despite Russia's invasion of sovereign Ukrainian territory. Trump stated, "That doesn't mean I don't want to help him...But he should never have let that war start. The war's a loser."
Despite a seemingly cordial September meeting in New York where Zelenskyy presented a "victory plan," Trump's public pronouncements suggest a potential curtailment of aid to Ukraine if elected. This contrasts sharply with Vice President Kamala Harris commitment to continued support, framing Ukrainian victory as crucial to US national security. Harris has also criticized Trump's perceived unwillingness to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin. It's worth noting that Trump faced impeachment in 2019 for allegedly pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.
