Why Trump is now arming Ukraine after blaming it for the war

Why Trump is now arming Ukraine after blaming it for the war

US President Donald Trump's evolving position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has veered sharply, with the US now threatening to give high-tech weapons to Kyiv and sanctioning Moscow. The shift is Trump's strongest support yet of Ukraine—and a far cry from his earlier complimenting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Washington Post reported.

A U-turn from initial flattery of Putin

Trump did not condemn Russia early in the war. He went as far as to refer to Putin's strategy as "genius" and repeated Kremlin propaganda talking points about Ukraine launching the war. During his 2024 campaign and throughout his first several months of his second term, Trump claimed he could stop the war in 24 hours—an promise that drew scorn for never having a clear plan and reportedly involved bullying Ukraine into surrendering ground.

As recently as February 2025, Trump dug in, blaming Zelensky for prolonging the war and calling him a "dictator without elections"—a step that was reminiscent of Russian propaganda and infuriated Kyiv.

Growing frustration with Putin and a unusual Oval Office showdown

Trump's tone began to shift in March. After a stormy Oval Office meeting with Zelensky, in which Vice President JD Vance also upbraided the Ukrainian leader, Trump began to vent "anger" against Putin and threatened new tariffs on Russian oil. In April, he even told Putin directly to stop attacking Kyiv through Truth Social, and received Zelensky once again in private at the Vatican.

This was a shift in tone that culminated in Trump doubting the sincerity of Putin, referring to him as "very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless."

Weapon pledges and sanctions risk Moscow relations

On July 13, Trump went further than ever before: He announced that the US would help Ukraine buy Patriot missiles, subsidized by the European Union for part of the expense. He threatened further that new tariffs would be placed if Russia doesn't end the war in 50 days. The move followed a Pentagon delay in shipping arms, one that Trump moved to overturn promptly.

He admitted to being "disappointed" with Putin and expressed admiration for Ukraine's endurance, commenting, "Ukrainians fight with immense courage."

Influence on Russia and international diplomacy

The shift in the Trump administration has unsettled Russia's ruling class. While Russian leaders responded publicly by downplaying the new US position, fears are growing that Putin has allowed an opportunity to pass during Trump's earlier sympathetic phase.

But scepticism remains. Trump's critics argue that his affinity for Ukraine could quickly switch back again, especially as election seasons and trade negotiations intensify. For now, though, Trump has positioned himself closer to mainstream US policy, even surprising his friends and enemies in the process.