Trump: Russia Has Already Attacked Ukraine's European Allies for Five Years

US President Donald Trump stated that Russia has already attacked Ukraine's European allies, and has been doing so for nearly five years. Trump made the remarks during a conversation with journalists broadcast on the White House channel, in remarks that came alongside the signing of sweeping new Russia sanctions.

Trump's statement

"I think they [the Russians] have already attacked Ukrainian allies. They've been attacking them for almost five years," Trump said. The comment appears to reference the ongoing effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on European security — particularly the disruption of energy supplies, displacement of refugees, and economic strain on neighboring countries.

Significance

The statement marks a notable shift in Trump's rhetoric. During his presidential campaign, Trump had suggested he could end the Ukraine war quickly, with some critics arguing he leaned too sympathetically toward Moscow. His current position — framing Russia as an aggressor against all of Europe — provides stronger justification for the new Graham sanctions package he signed the same evening.

European context

Several European NATO members have indeed experienced the indirect effects of Russian aggression, including Finland and the Baltic states, which face heightened security concerns. The comment may reflect Trump's effort to build a broader coalition for sustained pressure on Russia.