Trump is taking on Putin, but not because of a sudden affection for Ukraine – The Atlantic

Former CIA operative doesn’t believe Trump is now pro-Ukrainian.

United States President Donald Trump is finally giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a hard time — at least for now. His disillusionment with the Russian dictator is growing, even though until recently Trump’s respect for Putin was “one of the most enduring geopolitical storylines of the last decade.”

This is reported by The Atlantic . The publication recalled that last week the American leader said that he received “a lot of s**t” from the dictator, and the other day announced the allocation of weapons for Ukraine (for which other countries will pay) and threatened Russia with tariffs if the war is not ended in 50 days. But these developments are not yet evidence that Trump has adopted a new strategic worldview, say unnamed White House officials and two of Trump’s external advisers.

“Trump did not have a newfound affection for Ukraine or its President Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not suddenly believe in the traditional transatlantic alliances that his predecessors valued as a counterweight to Moscow. Rather, Trump was offended,” the article says.

One of the interlocutors told the author of the article that Putin made Trump look like a “junior partner” by ignoring his calls to end the war against Ukraine and escalating hostilities:

“The President (Trump, – UNIAN) gave him chance after chance, but he’s had enough.”

The measures announced by Trump are unlikely to change the overall trajectory of the war in Ukraine. But they could blunt Russia’s momentum in the war and, in turn, its desire to continue the war. These steps have also reassured Ukraine and Europe that Washington can still be a partner in their fight, the author adds.

But when it comes to Trump, there is a caveat, the article says. He will have more room to maneuver with members of his MAGA coalition, since the States will not send weapons directly to Ukraine (they will be sold to other countries for further transfer to Ukraine, – UNIAN).

U.S. officials have not said whether more weapons will be transferred in the future, and much of Trump’s base — and many House Republicans — strongly oppose providing additional military or financial aid to Kyiv. The uncertainty will complicate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s and Europe’s plans for Ukraine’s future defense.

“Do I think Trump is now pro-Ukrainian? Not at all. This (Trump’s statements, – UNIAN) is good news. But Europe still needs to plan with the idea that the US is not a reliable ally, because Trump can still change his position,” stated former CIA operative Mark Polymeropoulos.

(C)UNIAN 2025