From Allies to Adversaries: Trump Changes Policy on Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war has taken a dramatic turn as the US President Donald Trump has radically shifted American policy towards the conflict.

During recent G7 and G20 meetings, President Donald Trump made several notable statements regarding Russia and the Ukraine conflict that signal a significant shift in US policy. He proposed that Russia should be allowed to rejoin the G7, despite its expulsion following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The Trump administration has also resisted the inclusion of the term ‘Russian aggression’ in the G7 statement commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, instead framing the conflict as a “Ukraine conflict” and blaming Ukraine itself for the war. He controversially likened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a “dictator” and expressed a desire to bring a quick end to the conflict, advocating for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, the US declined to co-sponsor a draft UN resolution backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity on the war’s third anniversary. These actions have raised concerns among European allies about the future of Western unity regarding the conflict and highlighted the growing tensions within the G7.

On 18 February 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with a Russian delegation, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This meeting, which excluded European and Ukrainian representatives, aimed to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict.

Europe’s Reaction

European leaders have been left reeling from this sudden change in the US foreign policy. The exclusion of European allies from the US-Russia talks has raised concerns about the future of transatlantic relations and the unity of the Western response to Russian aggression.

French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting in Paris with leaders from Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, along with NATO and EU officials, to strategise their response to Trump’s new policies. However, divisions within Europe have become apparent, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reportedly walking out of the Paris meeting, reflecting growing disagreements over how to handle the situation.

China’s Support for Trump’s Approach

Interestingly, China has welcomed Trump’s initiative to negotiate with Russia. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Gao Jiakun stated that Beijing is pleased to see Russia and the US enhance communication and dialogue[6]. However, some Chinese scholars have expressed alarm at Trump’s rush to end the war, viewing it as a potential attempt to break the Russia-China strategic partnership.

Chinese media has focused on highlighting Europe’s dissatisfaction with the situation, possibly reflecting Beijing’s own desire to be included in future peace talks. The Chinese perspective also suggests that Trump’s eagerness to end the conflict may be driven by a desire to stem the strategic advantages China has been enjoying as the war continues.

India’s Conversation with Russia

Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg.

Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation.

Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch.

🇮🇳 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/e98mHKneTK

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 20, 2025

Despite the changing dynamics of the Ukraine war and the stance of other global powers, India has maintained its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg. During their meeting, they reviewed the progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation and discussed recent developments in the Ukraine conflict, including Lavrov’s recent meeting in Riyadh.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the conflict. This reaffirms India’s balanced approach, seeking to maintain its strategic partnership with Russia while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the war. The discussions also touched upon strengthening the existing economic, defence, and energy partnerships between India and Russia. This engagement highlights India’s continued effort to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its relationships with various global powers. The MEA has also said that Jaishankar’s participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and bolster the voice of the Global South.

Impact on Ukraine

The shift in US policy has left Ukraine in a precarious position. Zelenskyy has criticised the US-Russia talks, arguing that any negotiations excluding Kyiv are doomed to fail. Trump’s recent comments about Zelenskyy, describing him as a “dictator” who has “done a terrible job,” have further strained relations between the two countries.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Trump’s unconventional approach can bring about a resolution to the conflict or if it will further complicate an already intricate geopolitical situation. As the war enters its fourth year, with an estimated toll of one million casualties, the stakes for Ukraine, Europe, and the global order remain incredibly high.