The Trump-Russia Relationship

Trump suggested Ukraine should not have fought back against Russia's invasion, appearing to blame Ukraine for the conflict. The president made the remarks amid discussions about potential negotiations between Trump and Russian President Putin.

Trump stated he spoke with Putin and agreed to begin peace negotiations over Ukraine "immediately." Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth indicated Ukraine would have to cede territory as part of any deal, raising concerns among Ukrainian leadership and European allies.

Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence despite concerns over her pro-Russia stance. Senator Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to vote against Trump's pick.

President Trump blamed Ukraine for the war with Russia, stating that Ukraine should have made a deal earlier without territorial losses. Trump's comments contradicted Ukraine President Zelenskyy's assertion that Trump is operating within a 'web of disinformation,' prompting Trump to call Zelenskyy a 'dictator without elections.'

Trump called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a 'dictator' and blamed Ukraine for the war with Russia, representing a major reversal of U.S. foreign policy. Trump stated Russia 'has the card' in peace negotiations and expressed frustration that Zelenskyy has not taken an alleged U.S.-brokered peace opportunity.

The Trump administration is urging countries to back its rival UN resolution and vote against Ukraine's resolution condemning the Russian invasion on the three-year anniversary of the war. The US, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea voted against the resolution backed by 93 countries.

Trump said Zelenskyy will visit the White House on Friday to sign a minerals deal but stated there will be no significant US security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump indicated Ukraine should look to Europe for security assurances rather than relying on the US.

Trump announced a new 'Trump gold card' visa program for wealthy foreign investors, offering a route to US citizenship for $5 million, and stated the program would be open to Russian oligarchs, some of whom he described as 'very nice people.'

During a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Trump said he believes Putin would keep his word on a Ukraine peace deal and refused to pledge U.S. military support for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

A tense and contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House resulted in a shouting match, with Trump telling Zelenskyy that Ukraine is 'gambling with world war three.' The press conference was cancelled and no minerals deal was signed after the angry exchange.

Russia's political establishment expressed satisfaction over the Trump-Zelenskyy clash, with Russian politicians and media outlets describing it as a major diplomatic victory for Putin and Moscow's interests.

The Trump administration is no longer characterizing Russia as a cybersecurity threat, marking a significant departure from previous US policy on Russian cyber threats.

The US suspended all military aid to Ukraine after a contentious meeting between Trump and President Zelenskyy, affecting ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment in transit. European allies were not notified of the decision in advance, prompting concerns about US reliability as a partner.

The U.S. has stopped sharing intelligence on Russia with Ukraine, marking the latest blow to Kyiv after the Trump administration halted military aid. This decision occurs as France's President Macron proposed extending France's nuclear umbrella to European allies in light of reduced U.S. security commitments.

Trump suspended US intelligence sharing with Ukraine, prompting criticism from UK officials including former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace who said the decision is 'suffocating' Ukraine's hopes. Hours after Trump defended Putin's actions in Ukraine, Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukrainian forces.

Trump was ordered to pay £626,000 in legal costs after his lawsuit against Christopher Steele over the Steele dossier was dismissed in a UK court. The case involved Trump's denial of allegations regarding alleged sexual misconduct.

A US peace proposal for Ukraine has emerged that would involve freezing the frontlines in exchange for Ukrainian territorial concessions, with Russia signalling it could halt the war in return for US recognition of its control of Crimea and sanctions relief.

Trump proposed a peace deal for Ukraine that would involve U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, representing a significant departure from decades of American policy resisting Russia's 2014 seizure of the peninsula. Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, stating Ukraine cannot accept such terms.

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in the Kremlin hours after a Russian general, Lt Gen Yaroslav Moskalik, was killed in a car bombing near Moscow. Russian officials called the talks 'quite useful' as an investigation was launched into the suspected Ukrainian bombing.

At the G7 summit in Canada, President Trump repeated his call for Russia to be readmitted to the group, arguing that the Ukraine war would not have happened if Moscow had not been expelled in 2014 over Crimea. The statement comes as European leaders are simultaneously pressing for de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump advocated for Russia's readmission to the G7, lobbying other leaders and calling the original 2014 expulsion decision a mistake following Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Declassified documents from the Durham investigation concluded that Russian spies were behind key 2016 emails, undermining claims by Trump's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about a plot against Trump during that election cycle.

President Trump announced he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Trump stated that any resolution would involve 'some swapping of territories,' prompting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to reject territorial concessions and warn that Ukraine will not give up land.

Trump administration announced plans to end longstanding security programs protecting European allies from Russia, with the move expected to impact hundreds of millions of dollars for countries bordering Russia.

U.S. and Russian officials drafted a plan to end the Ukraine war that reportedly includes terms requiring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's office said he expects to negotiate with Trump in coming days, while EU officials condemned the proposal as unacceptable.

President Trump is pushing Ukraine to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan that would require Kyiv to cede territory to Russia and reduce its military. Trump reportedly set a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine's acceptance, while President Zelenskyy indicated the choice is difficult and could threaten Ukraine's dignity.

Leaked audio recordings reveal Trump envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly advised a Kremlin official on Ukraine peace deal strategy and offered tactical guidance on how Putin should raise the subject with Trump. Trump defended Witkoff's tactics as standard negotiating methods.

Multiple Republican and Democratic congressional representatives call for Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to be fired following leaked recordings of him advising Russian officials. They warn he 'cannot be trusted.'

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff's proposed Ukraine peace plan drew criticism from several Republicans who said the plan favors Russia. Putin praised Witkoff as 'an intelligent man' properly representing his country in negotiations.

The Kremlin praised Trump's national security strategy document as aligned with Russia's vision as negotiations to end the Ukraine war enter a critical phase.

Belarus released 123 prisoners, including Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava, after the U.S. lifted sanctions and held talks with Alexander Lukashenko.

Russia announced it has moved nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles into Belarus, a move that could potentially allow Russian missiles to reach European targets faster and represents a significant escalation in military positioning near NATO borders.

A whistleblower alleged that National Security Advisor Tulsi Gabbard blocked the NSA from sharing an intelligence report about a person close to Trump and instead delivered it directly to the White House chief of staff, raising questions about proper handling of sensitive intelligence intercepts.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby told NATO members in Brussels that the US plans to reduce conventional forces in Europe while remaining committed to the alliance. The announcement signals shifting US military priorities in Europe.

Former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller died at age 81. Mueller led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia.

Trump faced outrage after posting on Truth Social that he was 'glad' Robert Mueller had died. Critics condemned the statement as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Trump responded to former FBI director Robert Mueller's death by saying 'Good, I'm Glad,' drawing criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Mueller had led the investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months, intensifying his feud with NATO allies. Pentagon stated the withdrawal is expected to be completed over six to 12 months, while NATO and German officials called for clarification on the decision.

Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, authorizing further sanctions and up to 100% tariffs on Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Senate Republican John Curtis called Donald Trump Jr.'s acceptance of hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Russian oligarch with ties to Putin to fund a wedding after-party in the Bahamas 'corruption' and pledged to say more about it.

The Trump administration signed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation named for Senator Lindsey Graham, imposing harsh measures on the Kremlin aimed at weakening war funding and pushing for Ukraine negotiations. Russia warned the law could complicate Trump's peace efforts.

Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit at Trump's Doral golf resort in Miami in December. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the invitation, which is likely to raise concerns from Ukraine and EU countries given Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to invite Putin to the Miami G20 summit, describing it as an 'opportunity' for Putin to engage with other world leaders, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite the ongoing Ukraine war.

Trump announced the US is willing to provide humanitarian aid to Russia in response to a reported pneumonic plague outbreak in Siberia, though he said he had not discussed it directly with Putin.

Trump distanced himself from his political advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair after reports that they advised a pro-Russian government in Republika Srpska during the midterm elections. Trump floated firing them if there was any conflict of interest.

Reports surfaced that Trump operatives were paid to advise pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik ahead of parliamentary elections, raising alarm about U.S. interference in foreign elections and alignment with Russia-friendly politicians.

Trump announced a major diesel deal with Russia to supply 300,000 tonnes immediately followed by 1.5 million more, lifting sanctions and attempting to ease fuel prices ahead of midterms but infuriating Ukraine and NATO allies.

Trump signed an executive order exempting Russia from new congressional sanctions - named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham - that were intended to target Russian officials, oligarchs and financial institutions sustaining Russia's war against Ukraine. The waiver was issued two days before the law was due to take effect, offering another economic lifeline to Putin as Trump turns to Russia for help lowering gas prices.

Trump announced a deal to ease sanctions on Russia and permit Russian diesel exports to global markets, claiming it would address rising energy costs. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers immediately criticized the deal, with Senator Thom Tillis saying it may be illegal and could fund Putin's war in Ukraine.

President Trump announced an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine, claiming Russia would suspend attacks on energy infrastructure. Hours after the announcement, President Zelenskyy reported Russian drones striking multiple Ukrainian energy sites, suggesting Russia is violating the agreement.

President Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel fuel and supply it to global markets, aimed at reducing domestic energy costs ahead of the midterms. The agreement drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers concerned about supporting Russia's war economy.

Trump announced a diesel fuel deal with Russia lifting sanctions to increase Russian oil supplies, drawing bipartisan criticism as 'a gift to Putin' and betrayal of Ukraine. The agreement sparked controversy as Russia continued launching attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite Trump's claimed 'energy ceasefire.'

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv's power infrastructure with 'no early warning from partners,' casting doubt on Trump's claimed energy ceasefire and signaling continued deterioration of intelligence-sharing between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Russia launched major ballistic missile attacks across Ukraine overnight, killing at least 6 people and leaving 600,000 without power in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused the US of failing to provide advance warning, citing intelligence-sharing difficulties.

Trump called Ukraine's resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries 'a disgrace' and said Zelenskyy is 'more difficult to deal with than Putin,' escalating tensions as the U.S. ally seeks EU support amid deteriorating relations with the Trump administration.

Trump claimed the U.S. is engaged in 'denuclearisation' talks with both Russia and China, stating that China could catch up to U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals within five years—a significant diplomatic initiative amid broader U.S.-Russia rapprochement.

President Trump signed an executive order waiving new Russia sanctions passed by Congress, arguing the move was in U.S. national interests. The sweeping sanctions package was scheduled to take effect Saturday and had been championed by late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump's Russia sanctions waiver drew swift bipartisan backlash from members of Congress, with Republicans and Democrats condemning the decision as undermining support for Ukraine and rewarding Putin.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Trump's decision to pause Russia sanctions was a 'reward' for Putin that would embolden the Russian leader and intensify the war, as Moscow continued attacks on Ukrainian power plants.

Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine remains 'ready to negotiate' and expressed openness to U.S.-led negotiations following Trump's Russia sanctions pause, as tensions between Trump and the Ukrainian president continue to escalate.

Trump suspended threatened Russia sanctions just days before they were scheduled to take effect, citing the need to maintain momentum in peace negotiations. Treasury Secretary Bessent claimed it was not sanctions relief, while Energy Secretary Wright said it was a peace incentive, but Secretary of State Rubio countered that Russia would sell diesel anyway.

US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Oslo for peace talks; Ukraine said intelligence sharing with the US "works now" after a suspension. Witkoff is scheduled to present an updated peace proposal to Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

Trump claimed he asked Putin to release Stephen James Hubbard, an American teacher seized in Ukraine. The statement reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Trump and Putin amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, where Putin signalled willingness to resume trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. The move comes as part of Trump's broader effort to broker a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.

Russia released American Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher who had been imprisoned since 2022 on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Witkoff praised Putin as a 'humanitarian' for the release during their meeting in St. Petersburg.

Russia announced it will send its first diesel tanker to the United States as part of a Trump administration deal, aimed at easing fuel shortages and potentially lowering prices ahead of the midterm elections. The shipment represents a significant warming of U.S.-Russia relations despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Trump claimed that Elon Musk has restored Ukraine's internet access after reported Starlink speed throttling. Secretary of State Rubio suggested that Starlink access decisions were Musk's prerogative, not a White House responsibility, though Musk has consistently denied restricting access.

Trump publicly called CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins "a dummy" and "a low-IQ person" outside the White House after she pressed him on whether his decision to waive Russia sanctions was connected to the release of detained American Stephen Hubbard. Trump insisted the sanctions waiver was necessary to secure Hubbard's return while simultaneously denying he gave anything in exchange - marking his second public confrontation with a member of the press in as many days.

First Russian diesel tanker carrying fuel set sail for the United States following Trump's deal with Putin to release more fuel into the global market, marking the first shipment since the agreement.