‘You shouldn’t have started it’ — Trump blames Ukraine for war with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines once again after a controversial speech in Florida, where he blamed Ukraine for the ongoing war with Russia.

Speaking at a rally attended by thousands of his supporters, Trump declared, “You shouldn’t have started it,” addressing Ukraine’s leadership.

His comments sparked immediate backlash both domestically and internationally, as critics accused him of siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin while undermining Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty.

Trump argued that Ukraine had provoked the conflict by seeking closer ties with NATO and the European Union, actions that he claimed “backed Russia into a corner.” He insisted that the war could have been avoided if Ukraine had respected Russia’s sphere of influence. “Russia had no choice,” Trump said. “Ukraine kept poking the bear.”

These remarks drew sharp criticism from current U.S. officials, who reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s invasion as an unjustified act of aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly responded, rejecting Trump’s narrative. “Ukraine did not start this war. Russia invaded our land, killed our people, and tried to erase our independence,” Zelensky stated.

European leaders also voiced their concerns, warning that Trump’s comments could embolden Russia and weaken Western unity. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Trump’s statements “dangerous and misleading,” while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Ukraine had every right to defend itself.

Despite the outrage, Trump’s words resonated with a portion of his supporters who are increasingly skeptical of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine. Many argued that America should prioritize domestic issues instead of funding foreign conflicts. Trump capitalized on this sentiment, promising that if re-elected, he would end the war within 24 hours by forcing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, regardless of the terms.