Late on Tuesday, President Trump expressed his frustration. While recognizing China’s Victory Day – the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Indo-Pacific – he accused Beijing, Moscow, and North Korea of collaborating against the United States.
In his remarks, Trump noted that his defense policy director, Elbridge Colby, seemed to overlook the connections to the Pentagon. He claims that China, Russia, and North Korea are actively working to undermine U.S. interests globally.
Additionally, Colby appeared to misinterpret the situation in Ukraine as a non-confrontation between the United States and its European allies.
Ukraine, notably, has been aligned with Trump for some time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his military leaders recognize that conflicts in eastern and southern Ukraine represent more than just local survival; they view defeating Russian President Vladimir Putin in Donbas as crucial for Europe’s security, which subsequently impacts U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere and Taiwan.
Despite some differences, Trump and Zelensky share a similar temperament. They both embody a fighting spirit; Trump famously reacted to an assassination attempt with defiance, declaring “Battle! Battle! Battle!”
Similarly, when the war began, Zelensky rejected an evacuation offer from former President Biden, opting instead to stay and fight. As reported by Jim Laporta, he made it clear he needed “ammunition, not rides.”
Ukraine’s survival since February 2022 has been, in part, influenced by Trump’s decisions to equip Ukrainian forces back in 2017 and 2018. The provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles and military training likely played a key role in strengthening their defenses. James N. Mattis, the then-Defense Secretary, emphasized cooperation on military reforms to ensure Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
This stands in stark contrast to the actions of the Obama administration following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Although bipartisan support was seen for the $350 million Ukraine Freedom Support Act in 2014, President Obama didn’t agree to providing lethal weapons to Ukraine.
The act aimed to prevent more destabilization in Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. However, the Obama administration seemed more focused on cautioning Kiev about internal corruption rather than addressing the threat from Moscow.
In December 2015, then-Vice President Biden told the Ukrainian Parliament that while he voiced concerns over Russia’s aggression, he believed that addressing corruption was crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Moscow. In contrast, Trump’s administration was willing to supply Ukraine with lethal aid, including Javelins, which drew sharp criticism from Moscow.
Domestic U.S. politics has added complexity to these international relations, but Zelensky remains steadfast in his belief that Trump has not erred. At the time, he remarked, “There were no scary mail.”
Zelensky has emphasized that Putin’s aggression is part of a larger war against the West. He warned that if not firmly opposed, Putin would push further, aiming to reestablish the Russian Empire by reclaiming NATO-protected territories.
The human cost of the war has been dire. As of August, civilian casualties neared 13,883 dead, with over 35,000 injured, including over 3,000 children.
Zelensky believes that allowing Putin to triumph in Ukraine would lead to insecurity for all. The military toll has also been heavy, with estimates of Ukrainian soldier casualties significantly higher than reported figures.
Nonetheless, Ukraine continues to fight, buying essential time for NATO and its allies to recognize the pressing threat posed by these global adversaries.
During Labor Day weekend, the optics became clearer as Xi Jinping was seen alongside Putin and Kim Jong-un at a major military parade, signaling a collective threat against the West.
The united front from these leaders sends a clear message: “Fight, fight, fight!” Their intention appears directed at Trump’s administration, as it also relates to issues in Ukraine and Taiwan.
Trump seems to be looking beyond Putin, recognizing the need for a strong response. He could reinvigorate support for Ukraine when communicating with Zelensky and other European leaders.
This could be achieved through the 2025 Recognition Russia Act, which is already co-sponsored by 84 senators, and by establishing a no-fly zone—making it clear that Ukraine’s NATO membership support hinges on Russia’s immediate withdrawal.
The consensus is that the world is engaged in a broader conflict. So far, Ukraine has faced six years of aggression from an axis of evil. The future as a nation depends on a united response.
