Media: Trump takes tougher stance on Russia, shifts in Ukraine policy

US President Donald Trump is signaling a more assertive approach in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, as he considers supporting a sweeping sanctions bill, authorises the release of withheld weapons, and adopts increasingly critical rhetoric toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While some close to Trump view the shift as a strategic move rather than a definitive change in policy, others believe the president is gradually aligning with more hawkish voices in the Republican Party after previously favouring non-interventionist approaches, Caliber.Az reports, citing Semafor.

Putin “is playing the United States. And President Trump realizes that,” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said, adding that “He’s always wanting to give the benefit of the doubt and give peace a chance. But Putin’s not cooperating.”

Although Trump has yet to formally endorse a sanctions package spearheaded by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), he has indicated that he is considering the measure. Graham, for his part, remains confident that Trump will ultimately support the bill.

A person close to the president told Semafor that Trump’s recent comments are a deliberate message aimed at both Moscow and Kyiv.

“It’s important for both Putin and Zelenskyy to know: Anything is possible if they don’t relent,” the source said.

Despite the tougher tone, many Republicans believe this shift does not signal a return to large-scale US assistance for Ukraine. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) noted that most Republicans view the $61 billion aid package passed last year as the final major tranche.
Trump’s latest statements, she said, reflect that he is “fed up with Putin’s lying … he’s decided definitely who the bad guy is here.”

The clearest sign of Trump’s evolving stance came with his decision to override Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call to pause a weapons shipment to Ukraine. According to CNN, Hegseth made the recommendation without informing the White House, prompting backlash from Ukraine supporters on Capitol Hill.

A Pentagon official attributed the confusion over the weapons delay to the current dynamics within the Department of Defense. The official said the situation reflects “the atmosphere at the Pentagon,” noting that it remains unclear how closely Hegseth works with Defense Department policy chief Elbridge Colby.

Both Hegseth and Colby are known to hold more restrained views on military aid to Ukraine. However, the official said decision-making under Trump “largely ignores established processes,” resulting in quicker, but often more “haphazard” outcomes.

By Sabina Mammadli