Europe reckons with a world where Trump is now helping Putin
Trump has scrapped Russian energy sanctions, pressured Kyiv to quit bombing Russian oil refineries and suggested Zelenskyy was an illegitimate leader.
European leaders find themselves navigating a precarious situation with the United States, as former President Donald Trump appears to be aligning with Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. In a span of just one week, Trump has taken actions that have significantly undermined Ukraine in its efforts against Russia.
Firstly, Trump has lifted years-long energy sanctions imposed on the Russian government, a move that directly benefits Moscow financially. Secondly, he has pressured Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, to cease bombing Russian oil refineries, which are strategically important for the Ukrainian war effort. Additionally, Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may not be the legitimate leader of his country, echoing the rhetoric often used by Moscow's propaganda machine.
The situation reached a boiling point with a potential loss of crucial communication capabilities for Ukraine. Ukraine had been relying on the Starlink internet system, owned by Elon Musk, for battlefield coordination and command. However, Trump's intervention led to Ukraine losing full access to this system, leaving its forces less coordinated and potentially at a disadvantage.
In response to these developments, Zelenskyy publicly voiced his frustration and betrayal towards Trump. He called out the U.S. president in public, highlighting the betrayal he perceives in these actions. These statements from Zelenskyy may further complicate the already tense relationship between Ukraine and the United States, as the European leaders grapple with a world where Trump is effectively siding with Russia against Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
