This was reported by Ukrainska Pravda with reference to The New York Times.
According to the publication, Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that russia and Ukraine should find a solution to the war on their own. This happened just a few days after he claimed that only he and putin had the authority to make a deal.
According to six officials familiar with the discussion, Trump also backed off from previously voiced threats to join European sanctions against russia.
“These accounts shed light on Trump’s shifting stance, as he effectively distanced himself from the peace process, despite previously promising to end the war in 24 hours. Unless he changes his position, Monday’s developments give putin exactly what he wanted – a halt in American pressure and a split in NATO – between the U.S. and European allies, who say they will continue imposing sanctions”, - the publication states.
As noted, for many, this change was expected. First – an emotional meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office, followed by the resignation of the U.S. ambassador to Kyiv.
“The Trump administration’s policy from the start was to pressure the victim – Ukraine – and not the aggressor – russia”, - said former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.
A White House official commented to NYT that new sanctions against russia could harm business interests, whereas Trump “aims to maximize economic opportunities for Americans”.