Trump boasts US role in Ukraine’s survival, criticizes Biden aid oversight

President Donald Trump delivered a series of pointed remarks on the US role in supporting Ukraine and the function of NATO, highlighting what he perceives as an imbalance in international reciprocity.

Addressing the level of aid provided to Kyiv, Trump criticized the Biden administration’s financial and military support.

“Biden gave them between 350 and 400 billion dollars in equipment and cash. Somebody has to find out about the cash.”

He argued that Ukraine has not provided comparable support to the United States.

Trump said that one could say it wasn’t a threat because the US was helping Ukraine, but added that while the US helped them, they did not help in return, calling the situation a very bad factor for NATO.

“You could say that wasn’t a threat—you know, we’re helping them. So we helped them, and they didn’t help us. And I think that’s a very bad thing for NATO,” he emphasized.

“NATO is making a very foolish mistake... This was a great test. They should have been there.”

On the broader alliance, Trump reiterated that the US provides aid to other nations but expects reciprocal contributions.

“We help other countries. And when they don’t help us, that’s certainly something we should think about,” he stated.

The president also emphasized his authority to make unilateral decisions regarding such aid.

As Trump expressed his disappointment with NATO allies, he was asked by a reporter if he is rethinking the US relationship with the military alliance or getting out of it.

“It’s certainly something that we should think about. I don’t need Congress for that decision,” Trump said.

But the president added: “I have nothing currently in mind but I’m not exactly thrilled.”

Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Trump stressed that US support has been critical to the country’s resilience.

“Ukraine would have been over in one day if we didn’t help. Frankly, Ukraine would have been over in the first day,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva