Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred international debate after expressing understanding for Russia’s long-standing opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership. Trump’s remarks, made during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, signal a sharp departure from President Joe Biden’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“A big part of the problem was, Russia—for many, many years, long before [Vladimir] Putin—said, ‘You could never have NATO involved with Ukraine,'” Trump said. “Now, they’ve said that. That’s been, like, written in stone. And somewhere along the line, Biden said, ‘No, they should be able to join NATO.’”
Trump framed Biden’s stance as provocative, arguing it placed unnecessary strain on already fragile relations between the U.S. and Russia.
Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership have been a contentious issue since the alliance’s expansion into Eastern Europe in the late 1990s. Russia has consistently viewed NATO’s proximity to its borders as a security threat, with President Vladimir Putin declaring Ukraine’s membership as a red line for Moscow.
The tensions escalated in February 2022, when Russia launched its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine, citing NATO’s eastward expansion as a key justification. This war has since led to the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians on both sides, displacement of millions, and widespread destruction across Ukraine.
In September 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensified the discourse by formally applying for fast-track NATO membership. While the alliance expressed support for Ukraine’s eventual inclusion, no formal invitation has been extended, largely due to the risks of escalating the conflict with Russia.
Trump, who has repeatedly criticized NATO during his political career, reiterated his skepticism about the U.S.’s role in the alliance and its aid to Ukraine.
Trump lamented the war’s toll on human lives, stating that resolving the conflict would be a top priority if he returns to the White House. He suggested he could end the war “long before six months,” though he did not provide specific details on his plan.
“Russia is losing a lot of young people, and so is Ukraine, and it should have never been started,” he said.
Trump’s remarks come amid growing fatigue in the U.S. regarding financial and military support for Ukraine. Since the start of the war, the U.S. has provided over $100 billion in aid, a point of contention among Republicans who argue for reduced foreign spending.
The former president also expressed regret over not meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his transition to office in 2016. “I know that Putin would like to meet,” Trump stated. “I don’t think it’s appropriate that I meet until after [my inauguration on] the 20th, which I hate, because every day, many, many young people are being killed.”
The statement underscores Trump’s complex relationship with Putin, which has been the subject of scrutiny and criticism throughout his political career. While he has been accused of being overly sympathetic to the Russian leader, Trump insists his approach to diplomacy prioritizes pragmatic solutions over ideological divisions.
Trump’s critique of Biden reflects an ongoing narrative in which he accuses his successor of mishandling international relations. According to Trump, Biden’s support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations disregards the geopolitical realities that Russia has consistently voiced.
“Biden’s decisions have escalated a situation that could have been avoided,” Trump suggested, portraying his predecessor’s policies as destabilizing for Europe and detrimental to U.S. interests.
Trump’s comments are likely to draw mixed reactions. While some conservative figures may applaud his acknowledgment of Russia’s security concerns, others will question the implications of his stance on U.S. commitments to its allies.
Critics argue that sympathizing with Russia’s narrative undermines the sovereignty of nations like Ukraine. “This isn’t just about NATO,” a European diplomat commented anonymously. “It’s about the right of a country to choose its alliances without external interference.”
Trump’s remarks also come at a time when NATO’s unity is being tested. While members remain committed to supporting Ukraine, divergent opinions on how to manage the conflict persist, particularly regarding the risks of escalating tensions with Russia.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed contentious views about NATO. During his presidency, he frequently criticized member nations for not meeting the alliance’s defense spending requirements. He even threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO, a move many saw as weakening the Western alliance in the face of Russian aggression.
Now, with the war in Ukraine entering its third year, Trump’s rhetoric once again highlights his divergent approach to foreign policy—a mix of isolationism and transactional diplomacy.
