US Officials Avoid Blaming Russia for Ukraine Invasion

During a recent Senate confirmation hearing, Stephen Feinberg, President Trump's nominee for deputy secretary of defense, avoided directly acknowledging Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the administration's hesitance to blame Moscow for the conflict. This pattern continued as U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, similarly refrained from labeling Russia as the aggressor during public interviews, suggesting that such accusations distract from diplomatic efforts. The U.S. has also aligned with Russia at the United Nations, rejecting resolutions that criticize Moscow's actions. Concerns are growing among U.S. allies and foreign policy experts that Trump's stance may pressure Ukraine into concessions, including recognition of Russian-occupied territories. Meanwhile, discussions about peace negotiations have intensified, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy hinting at potential compromises in exchange for NATO membership. This ongoing reluctance to confront Russia directly raises questions about U.S. foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine's sovereignty.