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How real is Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine?
The reversal is significant given the US President’s previous views on Putin, but the sanctions grace period and Trumpian fickleness are reasons for caution.
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For the first time since he returned to power, US President Donald Trump is now explicitly blaming Russia for the continuation of Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.
PHOTO: DAVID GUTTENFELDER/NYTIMES
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“We want to make sure Ukraine can do what it wants to do.” That statement from US President Donald Trump on July 14 marked a U-turn on his previous position on support for the Ukrainians
In typical Trump fashion, the remarks made at a White House meeting with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte were both imprecise and an exaggeration. It is still far from clear how much in terms of weapons and money Mr Trump is willing to contribute to Ukraine’s war against Russia. And it’s doubtful that the American President truly intends to give the Ukrainians a free hand to decide their future.
