Trump Praises Russia, Blocks EU Aid for Kyiv as Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year

US President Donald Trump has openly sided with Russia in the Ukraine war, praising Moscow's conduct and blocking European Union aid for Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is increasingly seeking other Washington contacts. Trump claimed Monday that Russia has behaved "well" in its dealings with Ukraine, saying "they haven't done much," and made similar remarks about China. This comes as Russia has massively expanded its air war against Ukrainian cities in the fifth year of the conflict, with dozens of civilians killed weekly. A Monday strike in Kharkiv killed a young girl during a walk, with the photo widely shared alongside Trump's praise. Trump appears to use the Ukraine issue to distract from domestic problems ahead of November's congressional elections, blaming Zelensky for high diesel prices.