Trump Blames U.S. and Ukrainian Leaders for Ukraine War in Latest Podcast Interview
In a recent podcast interview released on October 17, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump stirred the pot by placing the blame for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine squarely on U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, rather than on Russian President Vladimir Putin. With just three weeks to go before the U.S. presidential election, Trump’s comments could have significant implications for the future of American military support for Ukraine.
During his conversation with podcast host Patrick Bet-David, Trump asserted that Biden "instigated the war," expressing a strong belief that the current U.S. administration is largely responsible for the conflict that has devastated Ukraine since February 2022. "This should’ve been settled before it started," Trump declared, suggesting that if he had been president at the time, the situation would have been handled differently. He emphasized that it "would’ve been so easy" to reach a resolution, criticizing both Biden and Zelensky for their roles in allowing the war to escalate.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the U.S.’s military aid to Ukraine, which he described as excessive. While he expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian people, he pointed fingers at Zelensky, stating, "He should never have let that war start." This comment reflects a broader sentiment among some critics who argue that Ukraine’s leadership could have taken steps to prevent the conflict.
Interestingly, throughout the interview, Trump made no mention of Putin, a glaring omission given the context of the discussion. This is particularly noteworthy in light of recent claims that Trump had several secret phone conversations with the Russian leader after leaving office in 2021—claims he has vehemently denied. When asked about his relationship with Putin, Trump responded, "If I did, it’s a smart thing… If I’m friendly with people, if I have a relationship with people, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing, in terms of a country."
As the election approaches, the stakes are high. The U.S. government has recently launched a crackdown on Russian interference in the upcoming election, alleging that the Kremlin is attempting to sway public opinion against Ukraine and in favor of Trump. This has only intensified discussions about whether Trump, if elected, would prioritize U.S. interests or those of Putin.
In the backdrop of these political maneuvers, Trump’s comments have reignited debates about his foreign policy approach and his past presidency. Many are left wondering: Would Trump truly act in the best interests of Ukraine, or would he lean toward appeasing Russia? As the November 5 election draws near, these questions loom large, and the answers could shape not only U.S. foreign policy but also the future of Ukraine itself.
With Trump’s track record of controversial statements and actions regarding Russia, the upcoming election will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for both American and Ukrainian interests. As voters head to the polls, they will have to weigh Trump’s rhetoric against the realities of international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
