I’ve been watching the actions of Trump since he became President of the USA for the second time with increasing disbelief and a sense of deep foreboding for the future of the world. Every day brings yet another revelation that, if it were the plot of a buy-for-the-beach hack novel would get you putting it down after the first chapter as completely unbelievable. He has managed to drag the most influential position in world politics down to the lowest level imaginable in the space of a few months.
From ill thought-out tariffs imposed on former friendly trade partners that will damage the economy of both sides, to having the man-child Musk apparently run riot in the White House (with Musk’s toddler son telly Trump to ‘shut up’ on live TV!) and through governmental departments with what seems to be a one-dimensional view of what the departments he’s axed actually do, leading to administrative chaos, every day shows the further deterioration of what used to be held as the paragon of democracy and a shining light to the world. In those three months, that veneer of respect has been torn away to show the greed and inhumanity that had remained held at bay by previous ethical and admirable Presidents.
His latest proposals surrounding the forced relocation of 2 million victims of war from their own state of Palestine so Trump can build a holiday resort, and now his complete betrayal of the Ukrainian people to the expanding new Russian empire shows the shallow depth of his understanding of the world, and the deep depth of his material greed. Make no mistake, this isn’t about Making America Great Again, it’s about making Trump and his cronies even richer from the misery of mankind. The Ukraine has once again become the focus of activities, with Trump actually and unbelievably blaming the Ukraine for the invasion by Russia! There used to be a trope back in the post-World War 2, ‘beware of the red under the bed’ referring to the Cold War spying activities of the USSR as-was. Nowadays, what we actually have is ‘A red IN the bed’ as it becomes increasingly clear that Trump is acting as if the Russians have control over him, by conceding to everything they ask for, including refusing to defend a Democracy against a dictatorship and ceding land they do not even own to that dictatorship.
The relationship between former U.S.A. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine has been a focal point of international politics for years. The dynamics between these three entities involve political manoeuvring, military aggression, allegations of corruption, and broader geopolitical strategies. Understanding this complex relationship requires an examination of Trump’s foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine, Putin’s territorial ambitions, and how these factors have influenced the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Donald Trump’s initial presidency (2017-2021) was marked by a controversial and often contradictory approach to Russia and Ukraine. Unlike his predecessors, Trump took an unusually conciliatory stance toward Putin. His reluctance to criticise Russia and his insistence on improving U.S.A.-Russia relations raised suspicions about his motivations.
Trump’s position on Ukraine was also inconsistent. While his administration approved lethal military aid to Ukraine—a stark contrast to the Obama administration’s reluctance to do so—Trump himself was accused of using Ukraine for political leverage. This came to a head in 2019 when Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations that he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for military aid. The scandal, known as the Ukraine phone call controversy, highlighted Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, where aid was allegedly contingent on personal political favours., consistent with his business practices throughout his life.
Despite approving military assistance, Trump frequently echoed Kremlin talking points, casting doubt on Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S.A. election and downplaying Russia’s annexation of Crimea. His admiration for Putin’s leadership style further fuelled concerns that he was undermining U.S.A. interests in Eastern Europe and modelling himself on Putin’s Tsar-like control of his country.
Vladimir Putin’s long-term strategy has been to restore Russia’s influence over former Soviet territories, particularly Ukraine. His invasion of Crimea in 2014 marked a significant escalation in Russian aggression, leading to Western sanctions and international condemnation. However, Putin was undeterred, and under his leadership, Russia has continued to exert pressure on Ukraine through military operations, cyber warfare, and economic coercion. Putin views Ukraine as integral to Russia’s sphere of influence and has long opposed its aspirations to join NATO and the European Union. His justification for invading Ukraine in 2022 was based on claims of protecting Russian speakers and preventing NATO’s expansion—a narrative that many in the West view as a pretext for imperialistic ambitions.
Trump’s presidency had both positive and negative consequences for Ukraine. On one hand, his administration provided military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, which helped Ukraine resist Russian aggression. On the other hand, his erratic diplomacy and reluctance to fully support NATO undermined Ukraine’s security. Trump’s transactional view of foreign policy also weakened U.S.A. credibility in Eastern Europe. His initial reluctance to commit to NATO’s collective defence principle (Article 5) alarmed Ukraine and other nations bordering Russia. Additionally, his impeachment over the Ukraine scandal damaged U.S.A.-Ukraine relations, as it portrayed Ukraine as a pawn in American domestic politics rather than a sovereign nation facing existential threats.
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 represented the most significant European conflict since World War II. By launching a massive military assault, Putin sought to overthrow the Ukrainian government, neutralise its military, and prevent further Western alignment. Despite overwhelming firepower, Russia faced unexpected resistance from Ukrainian forces, bolstered by Western military support. The United States, under President Joe Biden, committed substantial aid to Ukraine, including billions of dollars in weapons, intelligence support, and economic assistance. While Trump was no longer in office, his legacy loomed over the conflict, particularly in how the West perceived U.S.A. commitment to defending democracy against authoritarian aggression.
Since returning to office, Trump has continued to express ambiguous views on the Ukraine conflict. He has criticised Biden’s handling of the war but has also avoided explicitly condemning Putin’s invasion. In several statements, Trump has claimed that the war would not have happened if he were still president, suggesting that his personal relationship with Putin could have prevented the crisis. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign emphasised an “America First” approach, which raises questions about whether he would continue military aid to Ukraine, and his recent statements have reenforced his criticism of NATO and reluctance to engage in foreign entanglements leading to reduced U.S.A. involvement in Ukraine, potentially emboldening Putin further.
The Trump-Putin-Ukraine dynamic has significant implications for global security. If the U.S.A. wavers in its support for Ukraine, European nations may struggle to sustain the war effort against Russia. This could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide, setting a precedent for future territorial aggression. Additionally, Trump’s unpredictability has strained traditional alliances, causing uncertainty among NATO members. Basically, the universal feeling is that the United States of America can no longer be trusted.
The relationship between Trump, Putin, and Ukraine reflects the broader struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. Trump’s foreign policy choices, coupled with Putin’s aggressive expansionism, have shaped the geopolitical landscape in ways that continue to influence the war in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, the role of the United States remains crucial. The U.S.A. must decide whether to uphold its commitment to defending Ukraine or retreat from international responsibilities completely. The outcome will not only determine Ukraine’s fate but also shape the future of global stability in the face of rising authoritarian threats, and also potential fatally damage the U.S.A.’s standing in the world, as former trade partners and allies form relationships with more trustworthy and supportive partners.
Trump and his administration in the short time they have had power, have without doubt changed the world, removing a stability that has held for 80 years or so, replacing it with a climate of fear, mistrust and greed.
