SEN. JEANNE SHAHEEN has publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of Ukraine peace negotiations, calling it a mismanagement that has allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to take advantage of the U.S. leader. Shaheen argues that Trump’s concession-laden strategy has weakened America’s leverage and emboldened Putin, whose actions continue to harm innocent Ukrainian civilians.
The senator points out that Trump’s approaches have enabled Putin to prolong the conflict and increase his military aggression. Shaheen highlights the need for a more assertive strategy, rooted in the principles outlined in Trump’s own book, ‘The Art of the Deal,’ to re-establish U.S. position and secure a better outcome for Ukraine.
Shaheen suggests that Trump should implement stronger sanctions, provide consistent support to Ukraine, and work collaboratively with allies to apply maximum pressure on Russia to end the war. She stresses the importance of a united front to undermine Putin’s war efforts and to ensure that the negotiations lead to a durable peace that safeguards Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.
Shaheen also warns that if the U.S. fails to take a firm stand, it could embolden other aggressors like China or North Korea, leading to even greater instability worldwide. She argues that the stakes are high, and the world must not allow Russia to dictate the terms of peace. The senator urges Trump to act decisively, to avoid further erosion of American prestige, and to ensure that the negotiations result in a fair and lasting solution for Ukraine.
While Trump has expressed frustration with Putin’s tactics, the senator believes that the president’s own approach has been the main problem. She notes that Trump’s failure to leverage U.S. economic and political strength has only allowed Putin to exploit the situation. Shaheen emphasizes that the U.S. must approach these talks with confidence, not desperation, to achieve the best possible outcome.
The senator’s comments come amid growing concerns about the potential for a prolonged conflict and the risks it poses to global security. She believes that a decisive and unified stance from the U.S. is essential to not only end the war quickly but to prevent any future threats from emerging from Russia or other hostile powers.