In a new post on Truth Social, Donald Trump once again claimed that the full-scale war “would never have happened” under his administration. He repeated allegations that the 2020 election results were falsified. Trump also stated that the Ukrainian “leadership” — placed in quotation marks — had shown “zero gratitude” toward peace initiatives. He added that the Russian attack would not have taken place under “proper U.S. leadership.” According to him, it also would not have happened under “proper Ukrainian leadership.” In this way, Trump implied that President Zelenskyy bears part of the responsibility.
Trump also added that the EU continues buying Russian gas.
Russian Gas in Europe
Trump’s criticism of European energy dependence is accurate, but here is a nuance. Hungary and Slovakia remain the biggest importers of Russian gas in the EU. Countries receive large volumes through the TurkStream pipeline. France, Belgium, and the Netherlands also import Russian LNG. France buys it directly. Belgium and the Netherlands act mainly as transit and transshipment hubs.
Imports to Hungary and Slovakia are still much higher than in most other EU states. The EU has tried to pressure both governments to follow a common energy policy. Yet Budapest and Bratislava refuse to comply. Trump’s rise gave them even more confidence. Viktor Orbán maintains a long-term relationship with him. Slovakia’s Robert Fico also follows this political line. Because of this, both governments got U.S. secondary-sanctions against Russia in delay. Washington speaks of a one-year delay. Hungary and Slovakia describe it as “open-ended.”
The Contradiction of “Gratitude”
Ukrainian officials, as well as European leaders, continue to include expressions of gratitude in their statements to the U.S.
Ukraine has always respected, and continues to respect, President Trump’s desire to end the bloodshed. We welcome every realistic proposal. We agreed to remain in constant contact, and our teams are ready to work 24/7. Thank you!, Zelenskyy wrote after speaking with Vice President Vance and U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll on November 21.
The Russian side behaves differently. It not only shows no gratitude, but uses hostile language instead. On a recent Solovyov channel livestream, one of the commentators used a crude phrase, telling the United States to “stick” the 28-point plan in an obscene place. This reflects Moscow’s belief that it should continue fighting. It also shows that arguments around peace talks works in Russia’s favor.
Conclusion
The Budapest Memorandum no longer serves as an argument. The situation shows how fragile security promises from major powers can be. Ukraine’s security is an international obligation. Yet, Ukrainian leaders — and European partners — keep thanking the United States for support. Even so, Trump portrays this gratitude as insufficient. At the same time, Russia feels free to use offensive, remarks toward the U.S. on state media.
