Former President Donald Trump claimed that under his administration, Russia “got nothing except grief” and criticized past US presidents for their handling of Moscow’s “expansionist” actions, suggesting they allowed Russia significant territorial and strategic gains.
During an investment announcement, Trump contrasted his approach with that of his predecessors. He asserted that under President George W. Bush, Russia gained control of Georgia, and during President Barack Obama’s tenure, Moscow secured a major submarine base and additional land for military purposes. Trump further criticized President Joe Biden, suggesting that under his leadership, Russia made an aggressive attempt to take control of all of Ukraine.
“Under President Bush, Russia got Georgia. Under President Obama, they got a nice big submarine base, a nice big chunk of land where they have their submarines. Under President Trump, they got nothing and under President Biden, they tried to get the whole thing. They tried to get the whole Ukraine. If I didn’t get in here, they would have gotten the whole thing,” Trump said.
He added, “I gave Russia nothing except grief. We have to make a deal because there are a lot of people being killed that shouldn’t be killed. But remember, Trump gave them nothing and the other presidents gave them a lot. They gave him everything.”
Trump also suggested that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is achievable if all relevant parties, including European nations, are willing to negotiate. “It takes two to tango, and if you are going to have to make a deal with Russia and Ukraine, you are going to have to have the assent and the consent from the European nations,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective involvement.
He expressed optimism about the possibility of a quick resolution, warning that any unwilling party might face consequences. “Maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long,” Trump remarked.
“Because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal. I believe certainly the people of Ukraine want to make a deal. They have suffered more than anybody else,” he added.
Earlier, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize European nations’ spending priorities, writing, “Europe has spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine — BY FAR!”
