WASHINGTON – In a notable departure from his previous stance on a swift peace deal, US President Donald Trump indicated that Ukraine must be allowed to go on the offensive to win its war with Russia. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invading country.” He likened the situation to a sports team with a great defense but no offense, arguing there is “no chance of success.”
The remarks came just days after a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which failed to yield a ceasefire or firm peace foundation. Following the meeting, Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in nearly a month, killing nine people, according to Ukrainian sources.
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden, calling him “grossly incompetent” for only allowing Ukraine to “defend and not fight back.” He reiterated his view that the conflict would never have started if he had been in office.
In a move to secure a lasting peace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted on receiving security assurances. Trump has proposed a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskyy and suggested that the United States would play a role in providing security guarantees.
However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration’s position, stating that while U.S. forces would not be on the ground in Ukraine, other forms of support, including “air” assistance, remain a possibility.
