In a recent interview, US President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine’s resistance against Russia might fail even if the United States continues to provide support. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump was questioned about his controversial decision to pause aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Trump, who recently had a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, was asked about Polish President Andrzej Duda’s warning that Ukraine might not survive without American support. In response, Trump said, “Well, it may not survive anyway. But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two.”
These remarks come as Zelenskyy prepares for a visit to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Ukrainian diplomats and military officials are scheduled to meet with a US delegation.
Trump’s comments raise concerns about the deteriorating relationship between Ukraine and the US, which, alongside the EU, has been a key supporter of Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s multi-year invasion. This month, the US paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a heated meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on February 28.
Trump has indicated that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv will not be enough to resume aid and intelligence sharing, insisting that he wants to see a change in Zelenskyy’s approach to peace talks with Russia.