Trump's Dramatic Shift: From Praise to Pressure on Putin and Support for Ukraine

Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Donald Trump's stance on the conflict has been notably complex and ever-evolving. Initially, Trump refrained from harsh criticism of Vladimir Putin, even praising him at times and echoing narratives that blamed Ukrainians for the war. This trend continued throughout his 2024 presidential campaign when he frequently rebuked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming him for the escalation of the conflict. However, as spring 2025 arrived, Trump's position appeared to undergo a significant transformation. On February 18, he claimed that Ukraine could have mitigated the war by negotiating, while simultaneously labeling Zelenskyy a dictator lacking democratic legitimacy. This rhetoric was made in light of a meeting in Saudi Arabia that excluded any Ukrainian or NATO representatives. By late March, tensions grew during a highly publicized confrontation in the Oval Office with Vice President J.D. Vance also contributing to the argument against Zelenskyy, asserting that he was solely responsible for the war. This spat resulted in global reactions as the political figures disparaged each other publicly. On March 30, in a surprising turn, Trump expressed frustration towards Putin for questioning Zelenskyy's legitimacy and hinted at potential tariffs on Russian oil unless the violence ceased. He simultaneously continued his criticism of Zelenskyy, alleging he was trying to back out of a mineral deal with the U.S. In April, Trump openly called for Putin to end his assaults on Ukraine via a social media post and had a high-profile meeting with Zelenskyy at the Vatican. This encounter followed their earlier discord and was regarded by Zelenskyy as a symbolic moment. By April 30, the U.S. and Ukraine formalized the controversial mineral agreement, indicating a strengthening of bilateral ties despite Trump's grievances. As months progressed, Trump’s dialogues with Putin revealed a shift. On May 19, he tentatively accepted a Russian request to defer discussions of a ceasefire, but by May 25, he expressed outrage over further Russian attacks on Ukraine and began to question the sincerity of Putin's reassurances. This growing skepticism pushed Trump towards a conclusion that Russia harbors ambitions beyond just a fraction of Ukraine, as noted by U.S. expert Erik Åsard. By late June, following a NATO meeting, Trump’s demeanor appeared to further soften, describing his encounter with Zelenskyy as "very pleasant," and sharing that they discussed U.S. military assistance, including potential Patriot missile sales to Ukraine. However, Trump did not shy away from criticizing Putin, labeling his promises as empty. On July 8, his frustration culminated in a pledge to reinstate aid to Ukraine, marking his clearest pivot of the situation thus far. Just days later, he threatened Russia with a drastic 100% tariff on imports of Russian oil and gas unless a peace agreement was reached swiftly. He acknowledged Ukraine’s resilience, reiterating their courage in the midst of chaos. This quick succession of events paints a portrait of a leader grappling with shifting international dynamics and internal pressures from factions within his party that seem eager for a firmer stance against Russia. Despite his new-found support for Ukraine, many analysts caution against assuming this stance is permanent. As Åsard aptly stated, "You can never know for sure with Trump," underscoring the uncertainty that surrounds his foreign policy decisions, especially concerning the Kremlin. In this volatile and high-stakes situation, it will be crucial to watch how Trump navigates the geopolitical landscape leading up to the next election cycle. His unpredictability may play as much of a role in the fate of Ukraine as the military actions on the ground. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2