In a fresh wave of provocative statements, Russian officials have praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his handling of Ukraine, describing his approach as “restraint” compared to the current Biden administration. Notably, the Russian side also resorted to calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “scumbag,” reigniting tensions and raising eyebrows globally.
What Russia Said
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, indicated that Trump’s refusal to fully immerse the U.S. into Ukraine’s defense during his term was viewed in Moscow as “pragmatic.” Russian state media amplified this line, comparing Trump’s approach favorably to the extensive military support Ukraine has received under President Joe Biden.
The particularly aggressive term — “scumbag” — used for Zelenskyy by a senior Russian diplomat, is consistent with Moscow’s long-running campaign to delegitimize Ukraine’s leadership.
Trump’s Record on Ukraine: A Mixed Legacy
During his presidency, Trump’s relationship with Ukraine was strained and politically controversial. While his administration approved limited military aid, it also temporarily froze a vital $391 million assistance package, citing alleged corruption in Kyiv. That freeze ultimately triggered Trump’s first impeachment, after a whistleblower revealed he had pressured Zelenskyy to investigate the Biden family in exchange for releasing the aid.
Despite those controversies, Trump repeatedly voiced skepticism about extensive American involvement in Ukraine, aligning with his broader “America First” foreign policy doctrine.
Kremlin’s Calculated Messaging
Moscow’s praise for Trump is not accidental — it fits into Russia’s larger strategy of sowing divisions within the United States. By aligning Trump with the Kremlin’s view of Ukraine, Moscow is attempting to influence both American public opinion and internal Republican debates about future Ukraine policy.
It also sends a signal to Kyiv: Russia sees Biden as an adversary and Trump as a potential “useful” player if he returns to power in 2024.
Ukraine Dismisses the Propaganda
Ukrainian officials quickly hit back, dismissing Russia’s comments as yet another piece of propaganda designed to fracture Western unity. They reiterated that Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty will continue, regardless of who holds power in Washington.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Zelenskyy, said:
“The Kremlin’s insults and praise mean nothing to us. What matters is Ukraine’s survival and the support of the democratic world.”
U.S. Reactions — Divisive as Expected
The remarks from Moscow immediately sparked responses across the U.S. political spectrum. Trump allies leaned into the idea that his cautious approach avoided unnecessary entanglements, while critics argued that the praise shows Trump’s foreign policy benefited adversaries like Putin.
With Trump aiming for a political comeback in 2024, this endorsement — if one can call it that — is likely to feature heavily in the ongoing debate over America’s global role.
The Larger Picture: Ukraine’s Fight and the 2024 Stakes
As the brutal war in Ukraine enters its third year, the outcome of the next U.S. election could reshape the conflict’s trajectory. Russia’s messaging is a clear indication that the Kremlin is keenly aware of how much it stands to gain or lose depending on who controls the White House.
For now, Russia’s attempt to spin Trump’s past record into a pro-Kremlin narrative serves as both a reflection of its hopes — and its propaganda playbook at work.
