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Front News Georgia
Recent statements from the United States administration have sparked dissatisfaction in the Kremlin, with Russian officials concerned that Washington may be shifting its approach to the war in Ukraine, according to the Financial Times.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the United States appears to be stepping back from the role of an “objective mediator” and has “forgotten” earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump that had seemingly moved closer to Moscow’s position.
According to the Financial Times, one of the factors that irritated the Kremlin was Trump’s reaction to Ukraine’s recent military operations. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper reports that following meetings at the G7 summit and conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump was “impressed and surprised” by Ukraine’s long-range strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory.
The report also notes that during the summit, the US President agreed to support tougher sanctions against Russia’s energy sector.
Against this backdrop, Lavrov acknowledged that Moscow no longer expects Washington to serve as an “honest mediator” in efforts to end the war.
According to the Financial Times, the US assessment of the battlefield situation has evolved in recent months. While some American officials previously believed Russia held a clear advantage, growing doubts have emerged over Moscow’s ability to achieve its declared military objectives.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials say they see signs that Trump is increasingly willing to support Kyiv and intensify pressure on Russia.
Following recent contacts between Zelenskyy and Trump, Ukrainian representatives also expressed cautious optimism regarding the supply of Patriot missile systems and the possibility of licensing their production in Europe and Ukraine.
A Ukrainian official told the newspaper that during a dinner in Évian-les-Bains, Trump told Zelenskyy he was impressed by Ukraine’s recent “military achievements.”
European allies believe the shift in Washington’s rhetoric could create new opportunities to strengthen support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Moscow.
