Trump’s mumbled explanation for Russia’s ‘horrible’ Sumy bombing is no sign that he’s getting tough on Putin, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley

In the recent discourse surrounding the devastating missile strikes in Sumy, Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of 34 individuals, including two children, Donald Trump's comments reflect a troubling ambiguity regarding his stance on Russia. Notably, Trump's assertion—'I was told they made a mistake'—can be interpreted as an attempt to soften the blow for Russia, a move that raises questions about his commitment to holding the Kremlin accountable for its actions. This follows a worrying silence from Trump regarding casualties in Kryvyi Rih just days prior, which paints a concerning picture of his approach towards Russian aggression. Throughout the article, Kiley dissects Trump's mixed signals, emphasizing that what he describes as 'frustration' in negotiations is likely mere posturing rather than genuine diplomatic effort. Trump's prior hints at sanctions against nations importing Russian oil appear to lack conviction, particularly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of his ongoing engagement with Russian officials. The commentary highlights the skepticism surrounding Trump's intentions, suggesting that his lower-than-expected condemnation of Russian actions may be part of a broader strategy to maintain his ties with Vladimir Putin. Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski's assertion that Putin is 'mocking their goodwill' underscores the perception that Trump's engagement with Russia undermines Western unity and moral authority in the face of evident war crimes. As European foreign ministers convene, the narrative emerges that Trump's lack of decisive leadership may leave a vacuum that could exacerbate the conflicts in Ukraine. Observers are left grappling with the implications of a leadership stance that seems to favor Russia, creating a precarious balance that underscores the complexities of international relations in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. In Kiley’s analysis, he hints that Trump's historical pattern of siding with Russia raises concerns over the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its broader geopolitical ramifications.