Trump Blames Ukraine for War, Says Crimea Will Stay with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his foreign policy agenda, offering a stark reassessment of America’s role in the world, particularly in relation to Russia’s war against Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing TIME.

In a dramatic departure from long-standing U.S. foreign policy, Trump claimed that “what caused the war to start was when they [Ukraine] started talking about joining NATO.”

The president’s vision for peace involves conceding Ukrainian land to Russia. “The negotiated peace he is pursuing would hand Vladimir Putin some 20% of Ukrainian territory,” TIME reports. Trump was unequivocal about Crimea: “Crimea will stay with Russia,” he stated.

While Trump claims his administration has strengthened NATO by pushing allies like Germany and Japan to increase their defense spending, his foreign policy approach continues to raise alarms in European capitals. The current trajectory could unravel transatlantic unity built over decades.

Trump also hinted at broader geopolitical ambitions. When asked if he’d like to be remembered for expanding U.S. territory, he said: “I wouldn’t mind,” referencing his admiration for President James Polk, who oversaw the largest territorial expansion in American history.

Meanwhile, he insists he’s fighting global dysfunction more effectively than any other leader. “I have solved more problems in the world without asking for or getting credit,” he said. That includes what he considers victories in trade wars and a strong-arm tariff strategy against countries like China, which he likens to controlling prices in “a giant, beautiful store.”

As Trump looks toward further diplomatic ventures—such as bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords—his posture is one of unrestrained ambition. “Last time I was fighting for survival,” he said. “This time I’m fighting for the world.”

Read more on The Gaze: World Leaders Reject U.S. Proposal to Recognize Crimea as Russian Territory