Trump names Russia aggressor in Ukraine war for the first time - Politico
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, for the first time, openly called Russia the aggressor in the war against Ukraine, acknowledging its heavier losses, says Politico.
On Sunday, the American leader publicly admitted for the first time that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
"8,000 soldiers have died this week, from both countries. Some more from Russia, but when you're the aggressor, you lose more," Trump told reporters, commenting on battlefield losses.
Trump's earlier statements
Previously, the US President had refused to directly condemn Moscow. In February, his administration — alongside Russia and North Korea — voted against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Washington also opposed a G7 statement that labeled Russia as the aggressor.
In April, Trump even blamed Ukraine for the conflict, saying: "You don't start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles."
Shift in position this summer
By summer 2025, Trump's stance on the Kremlin had changed significantly. The US administration ramped up pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who had been blocking Trump's attempts to arrange direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His latest remarks suggest Washington is now taking a tougher line toward Moscow.
Trump and sanctions
Trump has previously criticized EU sanctions on Russia as too weak, urging European partners to adopt stronger restrictions.
Recently, he announced a sweeping new sanctions package against Russia, potentially targeting the oil sector and banks.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said European countries should support Trump's initiative to punish states that continue trading with Putin.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump did not rule out a possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin but admitted it would be difficult to arrange. He also reminded reporters that he had "stopped seven wars" and said he would like to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
At the same time, media outlets are speculating that the US President might meet with Putin in Malaysia on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN summit.
