Context:

President Donald Trump has shifted his policy regarding Ukraine, indicating a new chapter in US diplomacy by offering significant military support to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. This change follows earlier ineffective diplomatic efforts that left Ukraine vulnerable and increased Russia's aggression. Trump's new approach involves selling military systems to NATO allies, who will transfer them to Ukraine, and coordinating with allies to increase defense spending. Additionally, bipartisan support in Congress is moving forward with a sanctions bill that targets countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. This strategy aims to recalibrate Moscow's perception of the US commitment and reduce Russian aggression by imposing higher costs for continuing the war.

Dive Deeper:

• Earlier in the year, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky and paused US military support, which weakened Ukraine's position and emboldened Russian aggression. By July, Trump had reversed course, providing new military support and planning sanctions to pressure Russia.

• Trump's diplomatic strategy previously relied on appealing to Putin's goodwill and offering incentives like trade proposals, which failed when Russia responded with increased military action against Ukraine.

• The Trump administration faced a critical decision point: either withdraw support, risking Ukraine's defeat, or reinforce diplomatic efforts with military aid and sanctions to bolster Ukraine's defense.

• Bipartisan support in Congress is evident, with a pending sanctions bill against countries buying Russian oil, which aims to pressure Moscow into a ceasefire by threatening additional economic consequences.

• Trump's new policy involves selling military systems to NATO allies, who will then pass them to Ukraine, ensuring a continued supply chain for military support while maintaining a distinction from previous policies.

• NATO allies have shown increased commitment to defense, agreeing to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, which enhances the collective security posture against Russian aggression.

• Russia has suffered significant military losses in the ongoing conflict, with over 1 million casualties and substantial economic costs, which the US aims to exacerbate with its renewed support for Ukraine.