Trump Suggests Letting Ukraine and Russia Battle On

During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump suggested a prolonged continuation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He reportedly drew a parallel between the warring nations and two children engaged in a mutual dislike, implying a willingness to allow the fighting to continue for an unspecified period. This statement raises concerns about a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding the conflict, moving away from robust support for Ukraine and towards a more detached stance. While some may argue a prolonged conflict could exhaust both sides, potentially leading to negotiations, such a position risks further devastation in Ukraine, emboldening Russian aggression, and destabilizing the broader European security landscape. The implications of this viewpoint, particularly given Trump’s history of questioning international alliances, are significant and warrant careful consideration. The statement, captured by photographers including Evan Vucci, underscores a divergence in approaches to the conflict between the former U.S. administration and current policy.