The Trump administration’s recent handling of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has been seemingly nothing short of an embarrassment and a danger to global stability. Despite how President Trump may frame his efforts to achieve “peace” for both countries, I believe that his policies and rhetoric only leave Ukraine in further trouble. The administration’s handling of this issue has caused concern among world leaders and has displayed immaturity and a lack of a willingness to truly compromise for both parties.
In late February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine visited the Oval Office in hopes of securing meaningful discussions about a ceasefire. Before long, Trump managed to escalate the interaction and ruin any chances of holding a productive conversation. This interaction was only the beginning of what I believe demonstrates the Trump administration’s pro-Russia bias, and the blind eye it continues to turn to the hardships Ukraine is facing. Trump and Vice President JD Vance raising their voices and demanding thanks from a man who has already relentlessly expressed his gratitude was simply childish and immature. Their behavior turned what should have been a serious diplomatic conversation into a playground shouting match. Soon after, the U.S. withdrew military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, further showcasing the real-world consequences of such petty, unproductive behavior and Trump’s prioritization of loyalty to his own ego over loyalty to a proven ally.
In my mind, it is evident that Trump seeks to benefit Russia under the guise of helping Ukraine. Trump’s proposed minerals deal, for example, in which Ukraine would give the U.S. revenue from its minerals in exchange for aid, was the first sign of Trump’s real priorities: exploiting a war-torn nation for its resources. The administration is now pushing for land concessions. On April 23, Trump urged Ukraine to accept a proposal that would freeze Russia-Ukraine territory on current lines, granting Russia all the Ukrainian territory it has gained over the course of the war. The plan also blocks Ukraine from ever joining NATO.
Even more outrageously, the U.S. would formally recognize Crimea as Russian territory (Russia annexed Crimea illegally in 2014), which not only violates Ukraine’s constitution, but reverses years of U.S. policy that recognizes Crimea as Ukrainian territory. Besides clearly allowing Russia to benefit through significant concessions from Kyiv, these plans essentially reward Russia’s illegal behavior. Many European allies have expressed their concern about the precedent of such and have said they would not follow suit, leaving the U.S. isolated. This proposal clearly risks U.S.-European alliances and has broader implications as it sends a lenient message to other countries with similarly imperialist ambitions.
When asked what concessions Russia would offer, Trump promised they’d “stop[] the war,” and said that Russia not taking over the entirety of Ukraine is their concession in itself. These differing “concessions” clearly display Trump’s preference for Russian interests through his disproportionate treatment of the two countries. In what world does refraining from further invasion count as offering a “pretty big concession?” These terms make a mockery of Ukraine and the standings of international law. The double standard is staggering: if Ukraine had acted like Russia — abducting children, launching deadly missile strikes on hospitals and residential neighborhoods — Trump would have cut off support entirely. Yet, Russia faces no real consequences.
On April 24, Russia launched its deadliest strike in nine months, which targeted a hospital and residential neighborhoods. The country has also continued to abduct Ukrainian children and take them to Russia without facing consequences from the U.S. (in March, Trump even cut funding for a program that tracked these abducted Ukrainian children). This demonstrates how Russia clearly does not intend to stop its invasion any time soon. Despite Putin’s continued behavior, Trump has responded only with vague threats posted to Truth Social — a right-wing media app that he owns. These “threats,” including, “Things will happen,” don’t hold the weight of a real threat and clearly don’t place blame or accountability on Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron, on the other hand, condemned Russia and the U.S.’ lack of accountability towards Putin.
“There is an aggressor, Russia, and there is a victim, Ukraine,” Macron said. “American frustration should be directed at only one person: President Putin.”
Macron also reinforced the right of the European Union to sanction Russia as it did years ago. Other top European leaders have agreed with this sentiment as they gathered in March to discuss their skepticism of Putin, underscoring their doubts of Trump achieving a peace deal. This again creates divides between the U.S. and its European allies.
To me, Zelenskyy has simply been fighting to preserve the sovereign nature of his country. If Russia stops fighting, Russia wins. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ceases to exist. After rejecting the plan to cede Russia all the territory it currently occupies, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being inflammatory. In my opinion, Trump has a complete lack of understanding and empathy for what Ukraine and Zelenskyy are experiencing. He is quick to place the blame on Zelenskyy (who he has claimed is harder to deal with than Russia), but unlike Putin, Zelenskyy has consistently voiced a desire to reach peace. Ultimately, Trump’s condescending attitude reveals a complete disregard for Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign nation. As the war continues, his approach is sending harmful messages to both allies and aggressors alike.
