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For the First Time Ever, Trump Labels Russia “Aggressor” in War With Ukraine
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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US President Donald Trump has for the first time publicly labeled Russia the aggressor in its war against Ukraine, signaling a shift toward a tougher stance on Moscow, according to a report by Politico on September 15.
Speaking on Sunday, Trump cited troop casualties, saying: “8,000 soldiers have died this week, from both countries. Some more from Russia, but when you’re the aggressor, you lose more.”
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Previously, Trump had avoided condemning Moscow, even siding with Russia and North Korea in February to oppose a UN resolution affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He had also rejected G7 statements labeling Russia an aggressor, Politico writes.
Over the summer, however, Trump’s approach changed, with his administration increasing pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin after stalled efforts to arrange direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I stopped seven wars, and I thought this one was going to be easy for me, but this has turned out to be tough,” Trump said, adding that Zelenskyy and Putin “hate each other so much they can’t breathe.”
The administration is now facing growing calls to impose harsher sanctions on Russia. Trump said he intends to act—but only once Europe stops buying Russian oil and strengthens its sanctions.
He criticized EU countries, including top Russian energy buyers Hungary and Slovakia, for continuing purchases, according to a report by Politico.
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US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright told Politico that Washington wants “to displace all Russian gas,” adding that cutting Russia’s revenue is crucial to curbing its ability to fund the war in Ukraine.
Previously, Donald Trump had signaled growing frustration with Putin, suggesting that new, harsher sanctions on Russia are imminent.
