In a move that has left Ukraine scrambling and Putin smirking, President Trump has ordered a “pause” on all U.S. military aid to Ukraine. This decision, made after a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is yet another signal that Trump is more interested in forcing Ukraine to capitulate than in standing up to Russian aggression. Ukraine is the underdog in this fight, and Trump is essentially telling them to roll over and accept their fate, while the bully—Russia—tightens its grip.

Forcing Ukraine to Surrender

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko put it bluntly: Trump is “forcing the weaker side to accept the terms of the stronger aggressor.” That’s not diplomacy—it’s appeasement.

Imagine a schoolyard where a bully repeatedly beats up a smaller kid and steals his lunch money. Instead of stepping in, the teacher tells the victim, “Just hand over your money and maybe he’ll stop.” That’s exactly what’s happening here. Russia, a country with vastly superior military strength, has invaded Ukraine, seized territory, and committed atrocities. And Trump’s solution? Tell Ukraine to cut a deal—one that will undoubtedly leave them weaker and at Putin’s mercy.

The war in Ukraine isn’t just about two countries fighting over land. It’s about sovereignty, freedom, and the basic principle that bigger nations shouldn’t be allowed to devour smaller ones. Giving in to Russia doesn’t bring peace—it emboldens aggression.

Russia Cheers as Trump Gives Them a Free Pass

It’s no surprise that Moscow is thrilled by Trump’s decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared that cutting off U.S. aid would be “the best contribution to peace.” That’s like a bank robber saying the best way to stop crime is to let him walk away with the cash.

The truth is simple: If Russia withdraws from Ukraine, the war ends immediately. There’s no need for lengthy negotiations, no need for Ukraine to surrender territory, and certainly no need for the U.S. to strong-arm Ukraine into accepting an unjust deal. The only reason this war continues is because Putin refuses to back down. Any so-called “peace deal” that allows Russia to keep what it has stolen only sets the stage for future invasions—whether in Ukraine or elsewhere.

Trump’s Unsettling Ties to Russia

For years, Trump has cozied up to Russia in ways that raise serious questions. Recently, two former KGB agents have claimed that Trump was compromised by Russia long ago. While these claims remain unverified, they would certainly explain his odd loyalty to Vladimir Putin.

From publicly siding with Putin over U.S. intelligence agencies to openly admiring the Russian strongman, Trump has acted less like a president defending American interests and more like a man afraid to cross his master. Even if the KGB claims aren’t true, the fact that Trump consistently takes positions that benefit Russia—at Ukraine’s expense—should trouble anyone who believes in standing up to tyranny.

Europe Must Step Up—Because the U.S. is Unreliable

One hard lesson from this debacle is that European nations need to get their act together. For decades, Europe has depended on American military power to deter Russian aggression. But if Trump’s actions prove anything, it’s that the U.S. can no longer be relied upon as a steadfast ally.

The time for European nations to boost their defense spending and strengthen their militaries was yesterday. By now, it’s almost too late—but not entirely. Europe must take a hard look at the reality of the world today and prepare to stand on its own. If the U.S. won’t hold the line against Russian expansionism, then European nations must ensure that they can.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Precedent

Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine sets a dangerous precedent. It signals to every dictator and authoritarian leader that bullying works. It tells the world that the United States, once the leading force for freedom and democracy, is willing to sell out its allies to appease aggressors.

As an independent Christian conservative, I believe in peace—but not peace at any cost. Real peace comes from strength, not surrender. The world learned this lesson the hard way in the 1930s when appeasement only emboldened Hitler. Have we already forgotten that history?

Ukraine doesn’t need to be pressured into submission. It needs the tools to fight for its survival. And America, if it wants to stand on the right side of history, should be helping the oppressed—not rewarding the oppressor.