Trump's Ukraine aid freeze: McFaul warns of Russia's gains
Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul sharply criticised Donald Trump's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, calling it tragic. "Trump's "Art of the Deal": For Zelenskyy, only sticks. For Putin only carrots," he wrote on platform X.
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Former US ambassador to Russia: It's a show of weakness
Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia, expressed his concern over Donald Trump's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine. In his opinion, this is another example of Trump's flawed foreign policy strategy and evidence of Washington's weakness.
McFaul argued that Trump's negotiation strategy with Russia is futile, as making concessions to the Kremlin only encourages further demands. Based on his extensive experience working with the Russian administration and Putin, he cautioned in a US News commentary that any concessions given will lead to additional requests.
McFaul said the American president made a mistake by showing all his cards during negotiations.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Trump declared that Ukraine must cede part of its territory, cannot join NATO, and that British soldiers will not participate in any potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
The former US ambassador stressed that the only way to achieve peace is for Putin to realise that he cannot conquer more territory. McFaul reminded readers that diplomacy should take place behind closed doors, and agreements only gain significance when all points are agreed upon.
McFaul, presently a lecturer at Stanford University, recalled that in the history of the United States, society has been able to confront controversial executive decisions. He pointed to cases such as US foreign policy during the Vietnam War or the change in posture towards apartheid in South Africa.
He asserted in a commentary for US News that Americans must now take a stand against Trump's growing relationship with authoritarian Russia and his shifting stance on European allies, including Ukraine. He stressed that doing so is essential and a practical choice.
