Trump’s Second Term Signals Major Shift in US-Russia Relations
Since returning to the White House for a second term, Donald Trump has dramatically reshaped US policy on Ukraine, aligning more closely with Moscow. In just seven weeks, he has suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, declaring on Friday that working with Russia is “easier” than dealing with Ukraine.
This marks a stark departure from decades of US-European unity against Russian aggression. Here’s a timeline of key events in Trump’s evolving stance:
February 12: Trump and Putin Open Talks to End War
Moscow rejoiced after Trump held a direct call with Vladimir Putin, agreeing to initiate bilateral negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The 90-minute conversation was Putin’s most significant diplomatic breakthrough in years, undermining the West’s prolonged efforts to isolate him.
Trump only contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after speaking with Putin, effectively imposing terms on Ukraine. Russian officials later confirmed plans for an in-person Trump-Putin meeting, with an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow—the first by a US president since 2009.
February 12: NATO Membership for Ukraine Ruled Out
On the same day, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine’s NATO aspirations were unrealistic. Speaking at a Brussels summit, he asserted that Ukraine would not regain its pre-2014 borders and that any future peace agreement would be secured by European and non-US forces.
February 14: Trump Administration Snubs Ukraine at Munich Security Conference
European leaders were left stunned when Vice President JD Vance used his speech at the Munich Security Conference to attack US allies rather than address Ukraine. Instead of discussing the war, Vance argued that Europe’s biggest threat was a retreat from its “fundamental values” like free speech—not Russia or China
February 18: High-Level US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia
In a dramatic policy shift, top US and Russian officials met in Riyadh to discuss ending the war and improving diplomatic and economic ties. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engaged in the most extensive US-Russia talks since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, signaling Washington’s new approach.
February 22: Trump Administration Publicly Berates Zelenskyy
In a shocking Oval Office meeting, Trump and Vance openly humiliated Zelenskyy, turning what was meant to be a discussion about a minerals deal into a public confrontation. A planned press conference announcing the deal was abruptly canceled.
Shortly afterward, the Trump administration suspended all military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, pressuring Kyiv to join US-led peace talks with Russia. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed a complete review of US-Ukraine relations, hinting that aid could resume only if Ukraine agreed to negotiations.
Trump: “I Believe Putin”
Following a major Russian missile and drone strike on Ukraine, Trump told reporters that he finds it “easier” to work with Moscow than Kyiv. When asked if Putin genuinely wanted peace, Trump replied, “I believe him.”
He added, “Ukraine doesn’t have the cards,” reinforcing his stance that Washington would take a step back. Asked whether Putin was exploiting the pause in US support, Trump responded, “I think he’s doing what anyone else would do.”
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