US President Donald Trump on Friday said he finds it “easier” to deal with Russia than Ukraine in managing the continued war, citing his confidence in Vladimir Putin. ” I believe him”, Trump stated during a televised White House press conference, immediately after a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance.
” I’m finding it more difficult, honestly, to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the accounts”, Trump said. ” It may be easier dealing with Russia”.
Despite announcing prospective new sanctions on Moscow earlier in the day, Trump appeared to defend Russia’s intensified bombing campaign across Ukraine. ” I really think he’s doing what anybody in that position would be doing right today”, he said, referring to Putin.
Trump, who has much boasted of his connection with the Soviet leader, doubled down on his position. ” I’ve always had a great connection with Putin. And you know, he wants to end the war”, he claimed. ” I think he’s going to be more good than he has to be, and that’s pretty good. That means a lot of good things”.
The notes come as Trump intensifies force on Ukraine, ordering a temporary freeze on US military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv. He even suggested that Ukraine may become willing to negotiate. ” I don’t understand that they want to live. If they don’t want to live, we’re out of there because we want them to live. I’m doing it to prevent death”, he said.
How much of Ukraine’s support comes from the US?
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with more than$ 180 billion in assistance, including over$ 66.5 billion in military aid. Washington supplies around 20 % of Ukraine’s military tools, including key arms like longer-range weapons and Patriot air defense systems.
