Ukrainian ex-foreign minister: Trump does not mind Russian attacks against Ukraine

From the Obozrevatel:

"Trump is not against Russian strikes on Ukraine and is helping Putin turn Ukrainians into Houthi terrorists. Interview with former Ukrainian foreign minister Volodymir Ohryzko 

Roman Pryadun, 06.06.2025

– US President Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin and promised to respond to the strike on Russian airfields. With his reaction to this fact, Trump actually sanctioned Russian strikes, which is an unprecedented moment. In fact, the US President with "understanding" announces retaliatory strikes of the Russian Federation on Ukraine. "He will have to," Trump emphasizes. How everything has changed in a few months. Western media reports that Putin is encouraged by Trump's reaction, because now it is possible to bomb Ukrainian cities, despite the fact that the States may impose some sanctions after this.

– My impression is clear – indignation. What this conversation, this recording begins with – Trump writes that they discussed the attack of Ukrainian drones on Russian aircraft based at certain airfields. And this one phrase alone says a lot. For me, it means that the trend of curtailing US aid to Ukraine is no longer just a trend. It is almost a formalized fact that is about to be officially recorded, because if a person has even a slightly adequate assessment of the world, he could say: supposedly, because of Russian aggression, which has been going on for more than ten years, and the last three and a half has turned into a full-scale war, Ukraine – as a victim of this aggression – responded as it considered appropriate. And destroyed a significant part of the strategic aviation of a potential enemy. This is exactly what Trump should have discussed with Putin. And told him: if you suddenly decide to respond, you will get not only the latest Ukrainian drones, but also a serious response from the West. This is what the leader of a country that claims to be a beacon of democracy, progress and justice should say. Instead, we heard pathetic mumbling that demonstrates that Trump has finally caved in to Putin. That he has finally decided for himself: And what is worst of all, as we see, he is already giving non-public orders to curtail aid, even that which was contracted under Biden. And this is already happening right now, before our eyes.

 

Unfortunately, this is quite logical for Trump. He understands perfectly well that Putin, although a bandit, although he turned Russia into a new concentration camp, is mentally close to him. They are birds of a feather. Putin is a dictator. And Trump, in his psychotype, is the same: having received power, tries to turn democracy into a dictatorship. This is his dream. And this is precisely where he and Putin are very close. They understand each other perfectly. And that means they will act together. 

- Regarding what you said - Trump has almost completely caved in to Putin. In fact, the Russian dictator has essentially refused to negotiate directly with Volodymyr Zelensky and is playing out the scenario: everyone in Ukraine is a terrorist, trying to transfer Ukraine to the status of the Houthis, Hamas or some other terrorist groups in the information field. Is Trump playing along with him in this with this silent agreement?

- It is absolutely obvious. Now in the Russian swamps the word "terrorism" does not disappear from the lips of propagandists, trying to impose the idea that it is Ukrainians who are terrorists. That we, they say, are not defending ourselves from an aggressor, but are killing peaceful people. That, by responding to an attack, we ourselves become terrorists. This is their new manual, and it is obvious. But what should not be obvious is the perception of this rhetoric by Trump, who actually agrees with it. Because he is a representative, at least formally, of a democratic country. But we all understand: Trump is a populist with an authoritarian bent. Look at how he holds meetings, how he talks to his own ministers, to journalists. Trump wants to turn the United States towards totalitarianism. And I really hope that those who are close to him, those who believe in the real America, and not in Trump's fiefdom, will finally start doing something. Because if they don't resist, America could very soon become too similar to Russia...

Trump has already made up his mind: he doesn’t need Ukraine. Europe? He’s leaving there too. Let them do whatever they want. If Putin is going to kill, well, then he’ll kill. He can do it. It seems to me that American foreign policy is entering a phase of catastrophe. If things continue down this path, the US will lose all its allies and partners. What Trump is doing objectively alienates even America’s closest friends. This means that the only conclusion we must draw for ourselves is: Europe, Europe, and once again Europe. Consolidate all efforts, take advantage of the opportunities, of which there are actually quite a few now. Yes, time is short, and the pace is not always possible. But there is no choice. We must finally understand: Trump has turned his back on Ukraine and Europe. And we will not get anything else from him.

– Is Congress capable of at least partially correcting the situation? After all, we have heard statements from both the Senate and the House of Representatives – that they are ready to introduce that very “hellish package of sanctions” against Russia.

- This question is still rather rhetorical. One of the authors of the bill, Senator Lindsey Graham, has already taken a step back. He started talking again about how Trump "must be given time," "must be given the opportunity." But you and I understand that these are just words. So far, it seems that the US political elite does not dare to say out loud: "Mr. Trump, enough! Stop playing along with Russia, stop playing on the side of the criminal Putin." This moment seems to be coming any minute now - it is already in the air. But when it comes to actions, those who dance to Trump's tune appear again. It is difficult to predict how long this can continue. Because, unfortunately, I do not see a consolidated opposition against Trump...

- As for aid, it looks like Trump is actually starting to roll back support for Ukraine on a broad front. A telling fact is that the head of the Pentagon refused to participate in "Rammstein", which took place the day before. The US has demonstratively stopped deliveries of important weapons to Ukraine to combat Russian drones, which were agreed upon under Biden. So, can we put a cross on American aid?

- As for the aid that was approved under Biden, it is possible that it will continue to flow for some time. At least partially. Some positions will be implemented because these are legally executed contracts, and it is difficult to cancel them. But, as we have already seen, “difficult” does not mean “impossible”. Especially when it comes to an administration that is ready to do anything to please Putin or settle scores with its own allies. But regarding new aid, here, I think, we should not have any illusions. My forecast is the maximum we can count on: that the Europeans will pressure Trump at least so that he agrees to sell weapons to European countries. And they, in turn, will then transfer them to Ukraine. It seems that if there is any movement, it will only be this: buy from us.  

– Regarding our European partners. The plan for the deployment and actions of European coalition forces in Ukraine has been developed and completed. But its implementation has been suspended – the US refuses to provide air defense, intelligence, etc. to support the “security forces” that Britain and France plan to deploy in post-war Ukraine. While the Europeans insist that so-called US support is necessary to keep Russia from violating any future ceasefire agreement, President Trump does not want to take part in this. Can we put an end to this project? Or will the Europeans still find, so to speak, the moral strength to turn the tide and stop looking at the US?

– You know, I think it’s not just a matter of moral strength. They have absolutely real resources. Don’t the Europeans have the ability to cover their troops on Ukrainian territory? Don’t they have F-35s? Don’t they have air defense systems like ours, or even better? They have all that. And they have intelligence. It’s not about technical incompetence, Roman. It’s about political will. And about the fact that the US simply doesn’t want to participate. They are openly telling the Europeans: “Do you want to defend Ukraine? Please, find intelligence, air defense, and aircraft yourselves. But don’t touch us.” That’s what we need to understand about the US position now.  

Can this position change? Theoretically, yes. But only when the political class in America itself tells Trump: "Enough. You are driving America into a dead end, we are losing everything we have built up over decades." Until then, Trump will govern as he pleases. And, unfortunately, he has succeeded so far. So we have only one thing left to do: sit down with the Europeans, develop a plan of action that the Americans should take, and defend ourselves. And if necessary, attack. 

– But are Europeans ready for this? Because they still look to the US and expect support.

- Of course, they are watching. But if they are told clearly and unambiguously: "Don't count on it," then it is logical that they will soon stop watching. What is the point of staring at Trump if he directly says: "I won't give you anything." The only thing left for the Europeans to do is draw conclusions. Yes, no one wants to openly say: "Trump - out." Many countries in Europe are very closely connected with the United States - economically, militarily. But when you are told directly: "Don't count on help," then whether you like it or not, you have to adapt... And I repeat: Europe has everything we need. Even nuclear weapons. That is, the situation is not hopeless.  

– The United States considers Russia's concerns about NATO expansion to the east "reasonable" and is ready to discuss this issue as part of a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine, said the US president's special envoy Keith Kellogg. "Russia will always raise this issue. They are not only talking about Ukraine. They are also remembering Georgia and Moldova. And we say: okay, we can discuss stopping NATO expansion to your border. This is their security interest," Kellogg said. Allegedly, Trump is ready to promise Putin not to expand NATO to the east if this becomes a condition for ending the war. That is, Trump is essentially giving Russia the post-Soviet space. "Do as you wish."

- Exactly. And it can be read without glasses. Putin clearly states: "This is my territory. Don't meddle here." And Trump is ready to allow him to do this. For Trump, it's all somewhere far away. I'm sure he would have a hard time finding Georgia or Moldova on a map. He's not interested in it. He doesn't see anything worth paying attention to in these countries. The main thing for him is Putin. The rest is irrelevant. And this, unfortunately, is the logic of the current head of the Oval Office. 

- Based on this, what peace talks can we talk about? There are realities - war awaits us, and together with Europe we must contain the enemy and try to defeat him physically.

- I have been saying this from the very beginning. All this talk about peace talks is empty. One could still imagine a ceasefire. But when you read the "document" from Moscow - it is not a peace agreement, it is an ultimatum. And we will not go along with it. Therefore, talking about some kind of peace is just nonsense. We did the right thing by leaving the possibility for dialogue in our document - we carefully formulated it, like, it would be possible to discuss something. There are territories and our Western donors. It is written competently. Calmly. With the understanding that we will not do this, but at least we cannot be accused of stubbornness. But this is not enough. Trump does not want to take into account the interests of Ukraine. Whatever Putin does, he will forgive everything. And what will fly at us - and, unfortunately, perhaps seriously - will be on his conscience. If he has one, of course."