WSJ: What Lies Behind Trump's Change of Rhetoric on Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke more gently about Ukraine during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington. However, he did not provide Kyiv with any security guarantees that European allies are hoping for.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Keir Starmer attempted to engage the U.S. in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, Trump stated that he would consider such options only after a ceasefire agreement is reached between Moscow and Kyiv. He believes that Vladimir Putin will keep his promises.
'I am confident: we will make a deal, and it will be fulfilled', Trump said, emphasizing that his approach is 'trust but verify.'
The U.S. President also softened his criticism toward Ukraine. He stated that he 'cannot believe' that he once called President Zelensky a 'dictator' and promised to help Kyiv regain as much of the territory seized by Russia as possible. WSJ notes that this tone change may reduce tensions ahead of the meeting with Zelensky.
'We will get along great. I have great respect for him', Trump said about the Ukrainian president.
The publication reminds that the Ukrainian leader will be the fourth European politician to meet with Trump this week to discuss transatlantic security issues and the Russian invasion.
Although Starmer was unable to engage the U.S. in a peacekeeping mission, he managed to improve relations between Washington and European capitals.
'You are trying to find a fabricated rift between us. We are the closest nations, and today we had very constructive discussions', noted the British Prime Minister.
The Role of the U.S. in the Peacekeeping Mission
Earlier, Trump and his administration claimed that Europe should provide security guarantees for Ukraine. American officials stressed that it is premature to make decisions regarding the U.S. role in peacekeeping forces before reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Trump also emphasized that his goal is to stop the fighting before considering U.S. support.
'Peacekeeping is very simple. But making a deal is very hard', Trump noted. He called for achieving peace first.
It was also revealed that an agreement regarding Ukraine is ready to be signed by Zelensky and Trump.
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