- Trump has fast-tracked billions in military aid to Israel while taking a transactional approach with Ukraine.
- His warm relationship with Netanyahu contrasts sharply with his tense exchanges with Zelenskyy.
- Trump’s policy shift has led to an abrupt fallout with Ukraine while strengthening ties with Israel.
Why is Trump treating Israel and Ukraine so differently?
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has shown strong support for Israel, rapidly approving $12 billion in military aid. This includes fast-tracking $4 billion in weapons shipments, bypassing congressional approval. During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, Trump emphasized the “unbreakable” US-Israel bond. He even proposed redeveloping Gaza into a luxurious coastal hub, complete with futuristic AI-generated imagery. Netanyahu, in return, hailed Trump as “Israel’s greatest friend” and thanked him multiple times for his unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Trump’s approach to Ukraine has been far less accommodating. In a tense White House meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the atmosphere was anything but friendly. US Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of not showing enough gratitude for America’s military aid. Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader for “gambling with World War Three” and insisted he should negotiate a deal with Russia instead of prolonging the war. The meeting, originally intended to finalize a minerals-sharing deal in exchange for US weapons, ended abruptly when Zelenskyy walked out.
What does this mean for US foreign policy?
Trump’s actions suggest a clear shift in America’s military priorities. While he remains committed to bolstering Israel’s defense, he is far more cautious about supporting Ukraine, signaling a departure from the previous administration’s policies. His sharp criticism of Zelenskyy and reluctance to engage in Russia-Ukraine peace talks could reshape global alliances in the coming months. As Trump continues his transactional approach, Ukraine may find itself struggling to secure the military aid it once relied on, while Israel enjoys an era of unprecedented US backing.
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