by President Trump is taking a stance against Russia that, on the surface, appears to be quite similar to that of his predecessors: arming the Ukrainians to repel an invasion. This comes nearly six months after he was sworn in and declared that he would gauge his success by the wars we end and the wars we never enter.
Mr. Trump reached this conclusion in a roundabout way, and if the last six months are any guide, it is doubtful that he will continue.
When Mr. Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday and Tuesday, it could be the first test. He is likely to formally reveal fresh plans to funnel American armaments to Kyiv through European allies. Additionally, it seems like he is embracing fresh sanctions that European leaders are pushing to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir V. Putin.
The president is a late and hesitant adopter of the strategy of attempting to isolate and challenge Mr. Putin.
Mr. Trump promised a speedy end to the battle during the previous year’s presidential campaign, claiming that only he was tall enough to handle the Russian leader. After becoming president, he accused the Ukrainians of being responsible for Russia’s invasion of their own nation. Then, in a remarkable Oval Office spectacle, he confronted President Volodymyr Zelensky and told him, “You don’t have the cards.” He assured Ukraine that Ukraine would never join NATO, lauded Mr. Putin for his strength, and granted Russia a pass on tariffs.
At least for the time being, a lot of stuff appears to be inverted.
Last week, the president stated that he was seriously contemplating supporting a bipartisan Senate plan that would impose fresh penalties that would permit Mr. Trump to slap 500 percent tariffs on any nation that purchases Russian gas or oil, but would not require him to do so.
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