Camilla Jessen
U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his tone on Ukraine.
Donald Trump’s latest statements on Ukraine have been seen by reporters as a notable shift in tone. But beneath the surface, little has truly changed.
While the president’s announcements may sound like support, the reality for Kyiv may once again end in frustration.
This was reported by CNN.
What Trump Actually Gave Ukraine
The most concrete development is Trump’s approval for NATO allies to purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems.
Trump even suggested that a NATO country has 17 spare Patriot missiles ready for delivery, a potential game-changer for Ukraine as it faces nightly barrages of Russian ballistic missile attacks.
This could offer Ukraine some short-term relief, especially if more advanced American systems are included in the package, even if not publicly acknowledged.
But as CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh notes in his analysis, the real blow comes from what Trump didn’t do.
What Wasn’t Announced
Trump has opted not to impose immediate secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil and gas, despite a U.S. Senate proposal calling for penalties including tariffs of up to 500 percent.
Such sanctions would have heavily targeted Russia’s energy revenue and pressured key buyers like China and India.
Instead, Trump’s team announced a 50-day delay. This gives Putin time to continue his offensive, shift battlefield dynamics, or seek a ceasefire under more favorable terms.
The Kremlin Clock Keeps Ticking
This tactic isn’t new. Trump has often used deadlines to pressure Moscow, assuming it still wants peace and just needs the right incentive.
But history shows otherwise: Putin has consistently ignored such deadlines without making concessions.
By giving countries like China and India time to reduce their dependence on Russian energy—a slow and difficult process—Trump seems to hope outside pressure will sway Putin.
Yet the belief that the Kremlin is open to persuasion remains one of the weakest foundations of his Ukraine policy.
The Message Between the Lines
One shift is undeniable: the tone from the White House.
Trump refrained from personal attacks on Putin and even described conversations with the First Lady about the suffering in Kyiv.
It’s a subtle but notable change from his previous rhetoric.
What Remains Unchanged
Still, the core remains the same: the U.S. won’t take the lead in funding Ukraine, immediate consequences are postponed, and Washington continues to gamble on a Kremlin interested in ending the war.
What Kyiv Should Expect
For now, Kyiv has reason to feel some relief. Any new defensive systems could save lives.
But the familiar cycle of hope followed by disappointment may not be far behind.
Trump’s tone may be softer, and the weapons may help, but the deeper political logic — to shift responsibility elsewhere, avoid tough sanctions, and keep faith in a Russian compromise — remains the same.
