US President Donald Trump argued that Ukraine cannot win its war against Russia if it is only allowed to defend, sharply criticising Joe Biden for limiting Kyiv’s response to Moscow’s invasion.
“It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, likening Ukraine’s struggle to a sports team forced to play only defense. There is no chance of winning! Crooked and grossly incompetent Joe Biden would not let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND. How did that work out?”
The comments came after Russia launched its biggest missile and drone assault in more than a month, killing nine civilians in strikes and shelling, according to Ukrainian officials cited by CNN.
Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, but the talks produced no breakthrough on a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted that security guarantees must be in place before he considers any truce.
Despite the setback, Trump signalled he may push for a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy. “Regardless, this is a war that would have NEVER happened if I were President – ZERO CHANCE,” he wrote, promising “interesting times ahead!!!”
Zelenskyy dismissed any suggestion that Moscow is serious about peace, saying the latest strikes prove Russia is “trying to wriggle out of the need to hold a meeting. They do not want to end this war. They are continuing their massive attacks against Ukraine and very fierce assaults on the front lines.”
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