Trump Criticizes Biden’s Decision on Ukraine Use of U.S. Weapons

Trump Criticizes Biden’s Decision on Ukraine Use of U.S. Weapons \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Donald Trump criticized President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. Calling the move “stupid,” Trump suggested he may reverse it upon taking office. The criticism highlights Trump’s influence over future U.S. support for Ukraine as he pledges to seek a swift end to the conflict.

Biden’s Ukraine Weapons Policy: Quick Looks

• Trump criticized Biden’s decision to let Ukraine strike Russian positions with U.S.-supplied long-range weapons.
• He expressed frustration over the lack of consultation before Biden’s move.
• Trump called the decision a “big mistake” and suggested he may reverse it.
• Biden’s decision came after months of deliberation and pressure from Ukraine and Western allies.
• Trump reiterated his goal to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict but acknowledged challenges.
• Zelenskyy met with Trump recently, seeking continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

Deep Look

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticized President Joe Biden’s recent decision to permit Ukrainian forces to use American long-range weapons to target deeper into Russian territory. Trump labeled the decision as “stupid” and suggested he might overturn it upon taking office.

Biden’s move, announced last month, marked a significant policy shift. The decision allowed Ukraine to utilize the U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit Russian military positions located hundreds of miles across the border. For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Western allies had urged Biden to lift the restrictions, arguing it would help Ukraine counter Russian strikes on its cities and energy infrastructure.

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump expressed anger that Biden had not consulted his incoming administration before making the decision. “I don’t think that should have been allowed, not when there’s a possibility — certainly not just weeks before I take over,” Trump said. “Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I think it was a big mistake.”

Trump’s criticism underscores his influence on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly as Biden pushes to deliver weapons and financial aid to Ukraine in his final weeks in office. The Democratic administration appears eager to maximize the existing budget allocation for Ukraine before Trump assumes power on January 20, as the future of U.S. aid remains uncertain under Trump’s leadership.

When asked if he would consider reversing Biden’s decision, Trump replied, “I might. I think it was a very stupid thing to do.”

The White House defended Biden’s actions, noting that the decision followed months of careful deliberation, which predated last month’s election. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, responded to Trump’s criticism, saying, “In the conversations we’ve had with them since the election…we have articulated the logic behind it, the thinking behind it, why we were doing it.”

Trump’s stance on Russia has long been a point of scrutiny. Since his 2016 campaign, when he publicly invited Russia to release emails belonging to Hillary Clinton, Trump has faced questions about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has often praised Putin, even referring to him as “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine.

Vice President-elect JD Vance has also voiced skepticism over treating Russia as an adversary, describing the approach as counterproductive. This aligns with Trump’s broader calls for both Zelenskyy and Putin to negotiate an immediate end to the war. However, Trump acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, stating, “I think actually more difficult is going to be the Russia-Ukraine situation.”

Although Trump has claimed in the past that he could resolve the war within 24 hours, he avoided providing specific details on his strategy. He also declined to confirm whether he has spoken with Putin since winning the election.

Recent meetings between Zelenskyy and Trump signal Ukraine’s concern about securing continued U.S. support. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy met with Trump in Paris, during Trump’s visit for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Ukrainian officials remain committed to persuading the incoming administration to maintain aid to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains challenging. Russia and Ukraine continue to fight for territorial advantage, hoping to strengthen their positions in any future peace negotiations. U.S. intelligence recently revealed that Russia may soon redeploy its intermediate-range ballistic missile, first used last month shortly after Biden’s decision to loosen restrictions.

Russia has escalated its warnings, with Putin threatening retaliation against NATO allies who allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons.

Biden ultimately authorized the policy change amid growing concerns about Russia’s use of foreign troops, including North Korean forces, to regain territories along Ukraine’s border. This new dynamic has further complicated the already volatile situation.

As Trump prepares to take office, his criticism of Biden’s Ukraine policy and his pledge to swiftly end the war reflect his broader foreign policy goals. Yet, how Trump plans to manage relations with Russia and Ukraine remains to be seen.

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