President Trump’s affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and disdain for Ukrainian President Zelensky is no secret. Trump’s distaste for Zelensky and Ukraine’s plight was on full display during the now-infamous February 28, 2025 Oval Office meeting that devolved into the bullying of the Ukrainian President and a lecture by Vice President Vance in his uniquely condescending style. Besides his admiration of Putin, Trump’s distaste for Ukraine and its leader likely stems from his failed and impeachable effort to pressure Ukraine to concoct “dirt” about Joe and Hunter Biden in the lead-up to the 2020 election.
Since February, the acrimony has subsided, though support for Ukraine has waned. The White House’s policy shifted from direct support for Ukraine to requiring NATO to purchase U.S. equipment on the country’s behalf. The support provided by the U.S. is heavily weighted toward economic assistance, rather than military aid.
With the U.S. taking a more hands-off approach, leadership on the defense of Ukraine has shifted to the United Kingdom, which is now involved in escalating tensions with Russia. British intelligence has warned of “state-backed hybrid warfare,” including cyber attacks and sabotage. Already, authorities in Britain, Poland, and Estonia are investigating individuals believed to be engaged in plots to sabotage military targets.
With Trump’s finger on the scale in favor of Russia, this past week he may have committed his entire hand. Desperate to salvage any part of the midterm election, Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel and called on both Ukraine and Russia to enter into an “energy ceasefire.” Most analysts agree that Trump’s plan to buy Russian diesel will benefit Russia long before American consumers see any relief. Zelensky questioned the move, understanding that revenue from diesel sales allows the Russians to further fund the war. Trump, in response, called for elections in Ukraine to oust Zelensky, saying, “It’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
As if the situation was not bad enough, SpaceX, without warning, placed a 100 mph restriction on the use of Starlink internet services, which the Ukrainians rely on to operate their drones. The restriction left Ukraine unable to fully defend itself during an onslaught of Russian ballistic missiles. SpaceX’s founder and sometime Trump ally Elon Musk said Washington, not SpaceX, was responsible for the restrictions. The White House has denied that.
As the attacks were happening, FBI Director Kash Patel tweeted, “from Russia with love,” which sums up the regard this administration seems to have for human life and property. They treat actual war as if it’s an extended campaign of Call of Duty, and any loss of life is all in good fun.
Geopolitically, in less than two years, Trump has nearly succeeded in severely handicapping the most powerful and effective military alliance in the history of the world. In the process, Trump’s band of incompetents has weakened strategic and economic relationships with our most committed allies – the United Kingdom, Germany, and France – and the only benefit is to our most notorious modern-day enemy, Russia.