Trump promises to keep helping Ukraine otherwise 'Putin would say he won'
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated during a press conference at the White House that Ukraine would continue receiving assistance, but he emphasized that “we're asking security on our money,” Voice of America reports.
Trump assured that he would continue providing aid to Ukraine because, otherwise, "Putin would say he won."
Speaking to reporters after phone calls with the Russian dictator and the Ukrainian president, Trump said that a meeting with Putin has not yet been scheduled but that "he'll come here, and I'll go there.” According to him, the first round of negotiations will likely take place in Saudi Arabia “in not too distant future.”
When asked about US aid to Ukraine, Trump reiterated, “But the money must be secured.” He accused the previous administration of “recklessly” sending money to Ukraine and stated that he intends to secure guarantees for repayment.
"I want to have our money secured. They have rare earth, and they have oil and gas, and a lot of other things. We are asking for security on our money," Trump said, adding that “they essentially agreed to do that.”
Trump claimed that Ukraine had received $350 billion in aid from Washington. However, according to the Pentagon, since the beginning of President Joe Biden’s administration, the US has provided more than $66.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine.
Trump also suggested that Europe has provided Ukraine with $100 billion in loans. According to Pentagon data, assistance from the Ramstein group since April 2022 has exceeded $126 billion.
Trump’s peace initiatives
On February 12, President Trump held a phone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed the war in Ukraine.
Later, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Zelenskyy, he and Trump agreed to maintain further contact and arrange meetings.
During the press conference, Trump echoed the US Secretary of Defense’s position that Ukraine’s NATO membership is ‘impractical’ at this time. He reiterated that the US would continue supporting Ukraine but emphasized that Washington wants the aid to be ‘secured.’
