Donald Trump has publicly called Russia the aggressor in the Russia-Ukraine war for the first time, noting this in his remarks about the casualties on both sides. According to Trump, Russian losses are higher because it is the aggressor. Commentator Vitaliy Portnikov emphasizes that until now, Trump had avoided such definitions, not naming Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim of invasion.
Portnikov considers this a major political mistake, as equating the two sides leads to a misunderstanding of the war’s realities—portraying the defender as seeking to prolong the conflict. Trump has repeatedly argued that both sides should seek a compromise to end the war, refusing to clearly identify the aggressor and the victim.
Portnikov stresses that ending the war requires stopping the aggression, not simply mutual desire. The responsibility lies with the country that began the invasion. He also notes Trump's reluctance to increase sanctions on Russia or boost military aid to Ukraine, and his criticism of European leaders for their energy policies that allegedly finance Russia's war.
Portnikov points out that without US sanctions on China, India, and other sponsors, Russia will keep its sources of funding, and pressure on Chinese leaders is unlikely to make a difference. Trump's public use of the term “aggressor” for Russia signals a possible shift in rhetoric, though it's unclear if this was a slip or a real change in policy approach.
The commentator reminds that the US previously avoided joining international statements condemning Russian aggression. American diplomacy under Trump faced widespread criticism, with many reputational costs.
Portnikov argues that strong political, economic, and especially military pressure on Russia, and significant support for Ukraine, is not just about Ukraine’s survival but also US and Western security. Weakness on these issues undermines security and leads to political losses.
