US President Donald Trump has made a statement justifying Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. He believes that the Russian president is doing what any other person would do because he wants to resolve the situation.
Trump: "Putin is naturally attacking harder"
During his speech in the Oval Office on March 7, Trump was asked about Putin's attacks on Ukraine. The US president described this situation as natural:
"I think he's doing what any other person would do. I think he wants to stop it and solve the problem. He's probably hitting harder than he's ever been. And, of course, any person in his position would be doing the same thing right now," Trump said.
US may withdraw from Ukraine
The Trump administration on March 4 cut off military aid to Ukraine and later stopped providing intelligence to Kiev. This has limited Kiev's ability to get the information it needs to strike military targets in Russia.
"I need to know that they (Ukraine) want to make a deal. If Kiev doesn't want to resolve the war, we'll get out of there," Trump said.
"Russia is easier to deal with than Ukraine"
Trump stressed that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he finds it easier to deal with him than Ukraine.
"I think we have a good relationship with Russia, but right now they're bombing Ukraine like they're cursed. Ukraine is a lot harder to deal with," he added.
Trump: "We will impose severe sanctions if Moscow does not come to negotiations"
At the same time, Trump warned Russia that if Putin refuses to negotiate with Ukraine, he will impose broad economic sanctions on Moscow.
"Given that Russia is currently crushing Ukraine on the battlefield, I am seriously considering imposing broad banking sanctions and customs duties on Russia. These measures will continue until a ceasefire and a final peace agreement are reached," Trump said.
Russia intensifies attacks
After the US suspended aid to Ukraine, the Russian army heavily bombed Kiev and other cities.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia launched about 70 missiles and nearly 200 drones on the night of March 7. The attacks were mainly aimed at energy infrastructure and civilian objects.
Donald Trump's attempts to justify Putin and criticize Ukraine may cause various problems in the world community. At the same time, Washington's suspension of aid to Kiev opens up great strategic opportunities for Russia. Ukraine, on the other hand, still expects concrete support from its Western partners. How the situation between Kiev and Moscow will develop in the coming days will largely depend on the next decisions of the United States.
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