Donald Trump undermines US foreign policy and Ukraine support

In an analysis for The Atlantic, Ann Applebaum reports that President Donald Trump has undermined decades of American foreign policy and eighteen months of personal diplomacy. Key actions include the cancellation of import sanctions on Russian diesel fuel and the violation of laws previously signed by the President.

Applebaum notes that Trump has threatened to withhold intelligence sharing with Ukraine if Kyiv continues to strike Russian oil refineries. The President has also declined to condemn Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including facilities owned by American companies, and has not offered condolences following the deaths of Ukrainian children in recent strikes.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights Trump's claims regarding an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which were contradicted by subsequent Russian strikes on power plants in Kharkiv. Trump has characterized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an obstacle to negotiations and has suggested that elections should be held in Ukraine.