During the election campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized Putin and emphasized that supporting Ukraine is very costly for the U.S.
This is stated in an article by The Guardian. The authors add that Trump changed his rhetoric after the inauguration. While he continues to criticize the need for military aid to Ukraine, his stance towards Putin is becoming increasingly tough. Trump openly warned the Russian president that he must end the war or face new sanctions and taxes.
"Trump is likely to continue opposing the provision of additional military aid packages worth billions of dollars to Ukraine. However, he may find that his own rhetoric inevitably leads him down this path. In his recent comments, Putin dismissed the threat of new sanctions and reiterated that he is open to one-on-one discussions. Putin also indulged in flattery, calling Trump 'smart' and 'brave.' Perhaps he thinks he can deceive him. Perhaps he is right – which raises significant concerns in Ukraine and Europe," the publication writes.
Support for Russia from China, Iran, and North Korea, which Trump excludes in his forecasts, only heightens tensions. The Kremlin is actively showcasing its ambitions by presenting new demands for upcoming negotiations. In particular, Russia insists on retaining 20% of the occupied territories of Ukraine and guarantees that Kyiv will not join NATO. Putin is convinced that his position regarding the war is already victorious and that Ukraine must agree to it.
Experts note that the West must make a choice: either support Ukraine or face much greater problems in the form of Russian aggression.
Source: theguardian.