WASHINGTON (AP) – The relationship between the U. S. and Ukraine is reaching a potential breaking point, with Moscow gaining an advantage following President Donald Trump’s recent refusal to impose new sanctions on Russia and Kyiv facing issues with satellite support for its drones during the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s connection with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has always been unpredictable, as the Republican president often boasts about his relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. However, ties between the U. S. and Ukraine seem to be at an all-time low, which could shift the dynamics of the war in favor of Russia and threaten America’s global security interests.
“At this moment in time, things look blacker than they ever had regarding this administration’s policy towards Russia and Ukraine,” said John Herbst, a former ambassador to Ukraine under President George W. Bush and now a scholar with the Atlantic Council.
For over a week, Trump has been directing insults at Zelenskyy while adopting policies that favor Putin. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president feels let down and is concerned about his nation’s future. Still, Trump can change his stance on Zelenskyy – especially as he faces bipartisan backlash from lawmakers – something he has done before.
Last year, Trump notably criticized Ukraine’s leader in the Oval Office, telling him to “make a deal or we are out.” There was even a brief suspension of intelligence sharing from Washington. Yet by July of that same year, he was praising Zelenskyy and claiming they “actually developed a good relationship.”
“Trump is a mercurial guy,” Herbst said. “He can wake up tomorrow morning, decide he’s done enough on this, and he might start to lean back in the other direction.”
No one has taken responsibility for satellite restrictions on Ukraine
The recent decisions made by Trump have confused experts and angered Democrats as well as some Republicans ahead of critical midterm elections in two weeks.
After The Wall Street Journal reported that Putin suggested a meeting with Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, Trump told reporters Monday that he was open to it but anticipated it would focus on denuclearization efforts. When asked if he’d negotiate an end to the war without Zelenskyy present, Trump seemed to agree.
“I think it’s time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine,” Trump said.
This past Friday, Trump decided to waive sanctions against Russia included in legislation overwhelmingly passed by Congress aimed at supporting Ukraine. Named after late South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, this law targeted financial resources fueling Russia’s war effort.
This move came after Trump’s announcement regarding importing Russian diesel fuel in an unlikely attempt to lower gas prices. Both Republicans and Democrats condemned the deal for potentially aiding Russia without impacting global fuel prices significantly affected primarily by Trump’s actions against Iran.
Additonally, there were changes regarding Space X’s satellite support for Ukraine’s military operations that nobody has taken responsibility for.
Starshield serves as a military-grade version of Space X’s Starlink internet service crucial for drone operations and communication within Ukraine’s forces. Zelenskyy stated that his country is experiencing significant speed limitations causing Ukrainian drones difficulty intercepting Russian jet-powered drones.
Space X chief Elon Musk, who is aligned with Trump politically, mentioned that Starshield is controlled by the U. S., implying any restrictions are determined by military officials ultimately answerable to Trump himself. Yet when questioned Friday about these limits imposed on Starshield access, Trump expressed doubt about having ordered such restrictions or whether Musk did either.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted Saturday that although Ukraine wants access to Starshield it hasn’t received it yet. He later commented that “Ukraine has benefited from it” but seeks more extensive use for conducting operations beyond its borders.
The U. S. military hasn’t responded yet concerning their involvement in these matters.
While Russia escalates its attacks targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure again recently; Zelenskyy claimed Monday Kyiv had once more received no advance warning about these latest strikes from partners including the U. S.
“Russia killed six people including a mother along with her child who was just over a year old,” Zelenskyy remarked on X while stating this “is how Russia responds to sanctions waivers and reduced pressure.”
Both Trump and Rubio assert Washington continues providing intelligence assistance aiding Kyiv counteract Russian assaults.
Experts say Trump is trying to appease Putin
Dan Fried who served as U. S ambassador to Poland alongside being assistant secretary of state focusing on European affairs under Bush expressed confusion over shifts happening within Trump’s approach towards Ukraine lately.
An initial thought surrounding Trump’s announcement regarding diesel fuel was influencing midterms through lower prices; however subsequent actions have shifted Fried’s perspective entirely around motives behind them all together since then!
“It all seems designed to put pressure on Zelenskyy and curry favor with Putin,” said Fried who currently works at Atlantic Council now too!
Fiona Hill served previously advising trump related issues concerning russia indicated possible attempts intended appeasement stemming worries involving increased russian support towards iran.” Since trumps initiation iraq warfare February way back last year resulted subsequently allowing aid technologies flowing iranians” stated fiona hill currently serving senior fellow brookings institution today! p >
“So maybe this is it – putins calling chit not devastate trump throughout iran helping needs!” added hill meaningfully!”
Criticism grows inside congress!
One aspect possibly leading trump toward reconciling relations existing zelesnky may arise mounting criticisms coming forward via republicans recently seeing increasing democratic surge amidst final stretch upcoming midterms determining control congress ahead ! p >
Pennsylvania representative Brian Fitzpatrick moderate republican running competitively race demands congressional hearings addressing star shield disruptions requesting immediate severe budget cuts holding accountable responsible agencies involved too ! p >
Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal connecticut announced teamed up retiring republican thom tillis organizing call zelesnky bipartisan group discussing ongoing issues u. s intelligence sharing disruptions encountered likewise ! p >
Zelesnky showcased briefing online video expressing almost zero patriot interceptors left usa claiming pentagon delaying missile deliveries partners already paid full price ensuring needed defense provisions remain intact despite pressures felt accordingly ! p >
Mississippi senator roger wicker chairs armed services committee pushed trump accept zelesnkys pledge halt attacks against russian energy infrastructure exchange assistance targeting american missiles stop incoming threats posed russians instead! p >
“President trump can bring down pump prices today simply agreeing upon deal!” wicker proclaimed social media platform x urging faster action possible resolution promptly resolved! p >
Regardless political party maintaining control congress next upcoming year legislators likely revolt should trump proceed making deals alongside countries like russia china relating overall situation unfolding across ukraine situation unfolding presently according fried former ambassador poland commenting further extensively at length earlier!
“Clearly sitting considerable leverage remains unused presently impacting effective negotiations taking place!” highlighted clearly visible mess existing surrounding current climate here alike!
Associated Press writers Lynn Berry and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
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