All this strengthens the opinion of European politicians and diplomats that Trump is changing his political vector towards a pro-Russian position.

US President Donald Trump has called Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” despite his victory in a fair election in 2019. At the same time, Trump has not made similar statements about Russian leader Vladimir Putin, despite the Russian leader’s main opponent dying in prison weeks before the latest election, which was marred by fraud.

In just the last few weeks, Trump has done what Putin wanted 29 times, Politico writes . In recent weeks, Trump and his entourage have weakened NATO, supported far-right movements in Europe, and announced a trade war with the EU over its “very unfair” treatment of the United States. All of this has reinforced the view among European politicians and diplomats that Trump is actually playing on the Kremlin’s side.

The world around Trump is changing rapidly, and it can be difficult to keep track. Here’s a quick look at 29 times Trump has supported Putin in his first month back in power:

1. Direct contact with Putin : Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Trump decided to renew dialogue with Putin, despite sanctions and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. On February 12, they had a 90-minute phone call.

2. Praise for Putin : “I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort on this call,” Trump said, adding that they talked about “the great history of our nations and fighting together in World War II.”

3. Bringing Russia back into the G7 : “I’d like to see them back. I think throwing them out was a mistake,” Trump told reporters.

4. Maintaining Russian control over occupied territories : Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the return of all Ukrainian territories an “unrealistic” goal, effectively undermining Kiev’s position in the negotiations.

5. Acknowledging Russia’s advantage in negotiations : Trump noted that Russia has “cards” in the peace process because it controls significant territory in Ukraine.

6. Agreeing with Putin’s demand on NATO : Hegseth noted that NATO troops in Ukraine do not fall under the Alliance’s “Article 5.”

7. Refusal to send US troops to Ukraine : Another concession in favor of the Kremlin.

8. Call for Europe to resolve its own security issues : Russia is concerned about the actions of the United States, but is not afraid of a weak Europe.

9. Talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia : Trump gave Putin concessions before the dialogue even began, without putting forward any conditions.

10. Ukraine’s exclusion from negotiations : Zelensky was not allowed to participate in the discussions.

11. EU exclusion from peace process : European diplomats are outraged, but the US is ignoring their requests.

12. Shifting responsibility for the war to Zelensky : Although Russia started the war, the White House is now saying otherwise.

13. Criticism of Zelensky : Such rhetoric helps the Kremlin undermine support for the Ukrainian president.

14. No criticism of Putin : Not a single word of condemnation directed at him.

15. Trust in Putin : “I don’t think he’s lying,” Trump said.

16. Call for elections in Ukraine during the war : Russia is interested in a change of power in Kiev.

17. Reducing funding for international observers : This makes it easier for Moscow to interfere in electoral processes.

18. Accusations of Zelenskyy of “dictatorship”: Another step in the spirit of Russian propaganda.

19. Preparation of investment agreements with Russia : Joint projects in the Arctic were discussed.

20. Stop funding democratic NGOs (non-governmental organizations – UNIAN): The Kremlin has long been demanding this from the United States.

21. Attack on Human Rights : Putin and Trump have similar views on social issues.

22. Criticism of European migration policy: It serves the Kremlin’s interests.

23. Support for a pro-Russian candidate in Romania: Kelina Georgescu won the elections under dubious circumstances.

24. Attack on Germany: Vance criticized the country’s authorities.

25. AfD support in Germany: Far-right parties have close ties to the Kremlin.

26. Support for Reform UK in the UK: Its leader Nigel Farage has repeatedly praised Putin.

27. Denial of the term “Russian aggression” in the G7 : In fact, Moscow received a diplomatic bonus.

28. US election victory : The Kremlin is clearly happy about Trump’s return.

29. Hint at changing the US constitution to extend the term of office : Putin has already done this in Russia.

(C)UNIAN 2025