0Fformer US President Donald Trump lauded Russia's historical military prowess, describing it as "a war machine" with a track record of defeating formidable adversaries such as Napoleon and Hitler.
Trump, currently leading the Republican nomination for the White House, reiterated his belief that if he were in power, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine would not have erupted.
Speaking on Fox News, the 77-year-old magnate expressed empathy for the situation, stating, "I feel very bad… Remember this: you are really up against a war machine in Russia. [It’s] what they do. They’ve defeated Hitler, they’ve defeated Napoleon."
Moreover, Trump stressed that while Europe is directly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States remains relatively unaffected due to the geographical barrier of the Atlantic Ocean.
He called for greater European support for Kyiv, suggesting that European nations should do more given their proximity and vested interests.
"We have an ocean in between us. They don’t have that ocean," Trump remarked, adding, "You know why they have not paid? Cause nobody asked them." His comments come amidst debates over foreign aid packages, including a $95 billion aid package passed by the US Senate, which includes provisions for Ukraine. However, its fate in the House of Representatives remains uncertain, complicating efforts to bolster support for Kyiv.
Trump's stance on foreign aid to Ukraine has drawn criticism, particularly from within his own party. He recently took to social media to denounce a border security bill tied to foreign aid, urging Republicans to reject what he termed a "Death Wish" for the party. His remarks highlight divisions within the GOP regarding foreign policy and aid allocation.