Key Highlights
- U.S. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, calling it “Biden’s war” and claiming it would not have occurred under his leadership.
- Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Joe Biden for allowing the conflict to escalate.
- The remarks came after a Russian missile strike on Sumy killed at least 34 people, which Trump described as a “terrible mistake.”
- Trump reiterated his focus on ending the war swiftly, emphasizing peace negotiations to save lives.
New Delhi: In a fiery post on his social media platform, Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Biden’s war,” asserting that it would never have started if the 2020 U.S. presidential election had not been “rigged.” Trump claimed his administration’s leadership had prevented such aggression during his tenure.
“The war between Russia and Ukraine is Biden’s war, not mine,” Trump wrote. “During my four years in office, I had no problem stopping it. Putin respected your president, and this tragedy would never have happened under my watch.”
Criticism of Biden and Zelensky
Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Joe Biden of failing to prevent the conflict. He labeled their actions as “horrible” and claimed there were “many ways” to stop the war before it began.
“President Zelensky and Crooked Joe Biden did an absolutely terrible job in allowing this travesty to begin,” Trump stated. He also criticized Biden for providing billions in military aid to Ukraine, arguing that such support only prolonged the war.
Reaction to Sumy Missile Strike
Trump’s comments came after a deadly Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on April 13, which killed at least 34 people and injured over 100. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump called the attack a “terrible thing” but suggested it was carried out by “mistake.”
“I think it was awful. I was told they made a mistake,” he said without clarifying who he meant by “they.” Critics interpreted this as an attempt to downplay Moscow’s actions.
Trump’s Peace Efforts
Despite distancing himself from the conflict, Trump emphasized his commitment to ending the war quickly through peace negotiations:
- “I am working hard to stop the death and destruction,” he said, adding that his focus is on saving both Ukrainian and Russian lives.
- Trump’s administration has been involved in separate talks with Kyiv and Moscow, but progress has been limited due to Russia’s refusal to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
Global Reactions
Trump’s remarks drew mixed reactions globally:
- European Leaders: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed support for Ukraine, calling Zelensky “brave” and urging continued international backing against Russian aggression.
- Russia: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, praised Trump’s restraint toward Ukraine but criticized Western military aid as fueling the conflict.
- Critics in the U.S.: Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s comments as undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty while aligning with Russian propaganda.
Analysis: A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy?
Trump’s rhetoric signals a stark departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy, which has historically supported Ukraine against Russian aggression. By blaming Zelensky and labeling military aid a mistake, Trump has drawn criticism for appearing sympathetic toward Moscow.
While some view his focus on peace negotiations as pragmatic, others argue that his stance risks emboldening Russia at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| February 2022 | Russia invades Ukraine | Full-scale war begins |
| April 2024 | Russian gunmen attack Sumy | 34 civilians killed |
| April 2025 | Trump calls conflict “Biden’s war” | Criticizes Biden and Zelensky |
Divisive Leadership Amid Global Crisis
President Donald Trump’s remarks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict have sparked intense debate over his approach to foreign policy and crisis management. While he distances himself from responsibility for the war, his focus on peace negotiations underscores a desire to resolve one of the most pressing global conflicts.
However, critics argue that his rhetoric risks alienating key allies while emboldening adversaries like Russia. As diplomatic efforts continue, all eyes remain on whether Trump’s strategies can bring an end to this devastating war—or further complicate global dynamics.
