Donald Trump criticizes Russian intensity in Ukraine war

Donald Trump has drawn criticism following comments suggesting that Russia is behaving ‘well’ regarding Ukraine, stating, ‘They are not doing anywhere near what they could be doing and I appreciate that.’ These remarks coincided with a Russian drone strike in Nova Vodolaha, Kharkiv region, which killed six people, including two young girls, and injured fifteen others.

Trump also indicated openness to a trilateral meeting with leaders from China and Russia during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November. Following a recent telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, Trump suggested he might ease sanctions on Russian energy rather than tightening them, citing a potential agreement for Russia to export over one million tons of diesel to help lower US fuel prices.