US President Donald Trump has taken a firm stand on the Russia-Ukraine war, saying it should never have happened.
He blames the conflict on weak leadership and poor decision-making by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Joe Biden. Trump argues that if he had been in office when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he would have prevented the war through diplomacy instead of military aid.
Trump is now pushing for a deal that would allow the US to recover the $350 billion spent on military support for Ukraine. He believes this money, provided during Biden’s administration, was wasted on a war that could not be won. His plan involves securing mineral rights in Ukraine to offset the costs. He insists that US taxpayers should not have to bear the burden of a war that could have been avoided.
The move has sparked debate in Washington and Europe. Some see Trump’s approach as a practical solution, while others believe it undermines NATO and Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. Trump has also faced criticism for his willingness to negotiate directly with Russia, a step many Western leaders oppose.
NATO has strongly backed Ukraine throughout the war, providing weapons, training, and financial aid. European countries have also increased their defense spending in response to the ongoing conflict. Trump questions why the US continues to carry most of the financial load while European allies contribute less. He argues that Ukraine’s war efforts have drained American resources without a clear victory in sight.
Trump has called for major changes in US foreign policy. He wants Ukraine to hold new elections without Zelenskiy as a candidate, claiming the country needs a more experienced leader. He also suggests reducing US military presence in Europe, shifting funds toward domestic projects, and cutting support for foreign governments installed through past US interventions.
The war in Ukraine has caused massive destruction, displacing millions and devastating cities. Trump’s proposal has added a new layer to the ongoing debate over how the conflict should end and who should bear the financial cost. As Ukraine fights to defend its land, global leaders remain divided on whether military aid should continue or if negotiations with Russia are the only path forward.