Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed that President Trump harbors a significant concern about possibly “caving” to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Schumer appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, where host Dana Bash inquired about recent developments involving Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Voldimia Zelensky in their quest to resolve the war.
“My greatest fear, Dana, is that Trump will bow to Putin; there were plenty of signals,” Schumer stated. “Ultimately, the message is very clear. If you submit to Putin, you’re submitting to him… it has three extremely negative implications.”
Schumer contended that it would be detrimental for the US to “abandon Ukraine” after the nation has endured over three years of conflict.
He emphasized that this would be harmful for President Putin regarding the Western unity that has rallied around Ukraine as it “weakens” the US alliance.
The New York Democrat categorized it as the third and “most severe.”
“It sends a message to all dictators in China, North Korea, and Iran that if you intimidate Trump, you can do as you wish,” Schumer remarked.
“I am very concerned about the direction he’s taking. I believe he feels he can betray Zelensky,” he added. “One day he says yes, the next day he says no. However, the overall trend is very troubling.”
Trump and Zelensky had a meeting on Saturday prior to Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome. The White House described the meeting as “productive,” with further details forthcoming.
Zelensky mentioned that their discussions covered “many one-on-one topics” and expected outcomes, including a total and unconditional ceasefire with Russia.
This discussion arises shortly after the White House indicated that Trump’s patience with Zelensky was becoming “very thin.” Trump also expressed concerns about Putin, suggesting he believes Putin might be luring him in following the recent deadly attack in Ukraine.
