Trump Pushes Russia Sanctions Relief as Zelensky Accused of Blocking Peace

US President Trump accused Ukraine's Zelensky of prolonging the Russia war to secure European aid, while defending a potential sanctions relief deal with Moscow. The claim signals Trump's readiness to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine's objections, with implications for EU defense spending and geopolitical autonomy if the US abandons its Ukraine alliance.

Byte's take

Trump's willingness to trade Ukrainian territory for Moscow sanctions relief exposes the EU's decades-long gamble on American security guarantees. The bloc now faces a choice: bankroll Ukraine's defense alone or accept a Russian sphere of influence on its eastern border.