WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, now admitting that Russia did invade Ukraine—a statement that contradicts his earlier claim that Ukraine “should have never started” the war.
Trump Finally Acknowledges Russia’s Role
On Tuesday, Trump blamed Ukraine for the war, sparking global outrage. But in a Friday interview with Fox News Radio, he reversed his statement, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion.
🗣️ “Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Trump said, implying that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then-U.S. President Joe Biden failed to prevent the war.
A Major Minerals Deal in the Works?
Trump also revealed that the U.S. and Ukraine are close to signing a major minerals agreement that could have a big impact on Ukraine’s economy and the war’s future.
📜 “We’re signing an agreement, hopefully soon,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office when asked about Ukraine’s minerals.
🇺🇦 Zelenskyy later confirmed that both countries are working on a draft agreement, saying:
🗣️ “I am hoping for a fair result.”
Tensions Between Trump & Zelenskyy
Despite this, tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy remain high.
🔴 On Wednesday, Trump called Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’ and warned that Ukraine must negotiate peace with Russia quickly—or risk losing the war.
🔴 Zelenskyy fired back, saying Trump is stuck in a “disinformation bubble.” However, he later softened his tone, hoping for a practical U.S. approach.
Why Is the U.S. Interested in Ukraine’s Minerals?
Ukraine is rich in rare and strategic minerals like:
💎 Uranium – Used for nuclear energy
🔋 Lithium & Cobalt – Key materials for batteries
⚙️ Rare Earth Metals – Crucial for electronics & aerospace
The U.S. wants access to these resources but Ukraine has rejected a U.S. demand for $500 billion in mineral wealth as repayment for American wartime aid, arguing that the U.S. has not given that much financial support.
Europe Is Worried About Trump’s Position
🔹 European leaders fear that the U.S. under Trump may push Ukraine into a deal that benefits Putin.
🔹 Germany and Poland have urged Zelenskyy to stay calm and continue diplomacy.
🔹 Meanwhile, the U.S. proposed a United Nations resolution to mark the war’s third anniversary, calling for a swift end to the conflict.
What’s Next?
📌 Will Trump pressure Ukraine into a deal that favors Russia?
📌 Can Ukraine protect its valuable minerals while securing U.S. aid?
📌 Will Zelenskyy and Trump find common ground or continue their clash of words?
The world watches closely as this high-stakes political drama unfolds.
