Trump condemns Ukraine's missile strikes deep into Russia
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the USA, expressed his opposition to Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets using American missiles. It's "crazy," he stated.
In an interview with "Time" magazine, Trump criticized Ukraine's use of American missiles to strike Russian targets. This interview coincided with "Time" naming Trump as Person of the Year.
It’s crazy what’s taking place. It’s crazy. I disagree very vehemently with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why are we doing that? We’re just escalating this war and making it worse. That should not have been allowed to be done," Trump stated.
Members of Trump's team had previously criticized the outgoing Biden administration's decision to ease restrictions on long-range Ukrainian attacks. In November, the U.S. administration allowed Ukraine to use American weapons, such as ATACMS missiles with a range of 186 miles, to strike targets deep in Russia. This decision was a response to the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, which is partially occupied by Ukrainian forces.
Biden's policy towards Ukraine
In the spring, President Biden approved the use of American weapons for strikes in border areas on the Russian side, excluding the use of ATACMS and other longer-range missiles. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin argued that lifting the restrictions wouldn't significantly change the situation, as Ukraine possesses its own weapons with similar or longer ranges. Additionally, the Russians have relocated some assets, like bombers used to attack Ukraine, deeper into the country, beyond the reach of ATACMS missiles.
Trump on negotiations with Russia
During the election campaign, Trump claimed he could achieve peace within 24 hours. However, in the "Time" interview, he admitted it's a challenging task. "I think that the Middle East is an easier problem to handle than what's happening with Russia and Ukraine," he said. "The numbers of dead young soldiers lying on fields all over the place are staggering. It’s crazy what’s taking place."
When asked whether he would limit aid to Ukraine, Trump responded that he would use U.S. aid as leverage to push the Kremlin to negotiate. "I want to reach an agreement, and the only way you're going to reach an agreement is not to abandon," the President-elect said.
