Unverified claim: Trump's latest distorted account of the Ukraine conflict
President Donald Trump has made several claims about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, some of which have been contested or proven false. Here's a closer look at some of his assertions.
White House Official's Claim About Zelensky's Statement
The White House official claimed that Ukrainian President Zelensky did say what Trump claimed he said regarding US aid money. However, Zelensky simply didn't make such a comment, according to public records.
Trump's Claims About Zelensky and Aid Money
Trump falsely claimed that Zelensky admitted half of US aid money went missing. This was never said by Zelensky. Additionally, Trump made another incorrect claim about Zelensky admitting that a large chunk of US support for Ukraine is "missing."
Trump's Claim About Zelensky's Approval Rating
In February, Trump claimed that Zelensky was "down at 4% approval rating." However, a poll conducted in Ukraine from late November to early January showed that 63% of respondents approved of Zelensky, which was far from the 4% Trump claimed.
Trump's Claim About Why Russian Troops Didn't Enter Kyiv
Trump suggested that Russian troops did not enter Kyiv due to their tanks getting destroyed by missiles due to mud. However, military analysts and Ukrainians have disputed this claim. In reality, Russian tanks were thwarted by fierce Ukrainian resistance, logistical problems, and muddy conditions.
Trump's Claim About the Amount of US Aid Versus Europe
Trump claimed that the US has provided triple or more the amount of wartime aid to Ukraine than Europe has. This is false. According to figures from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Europe has collectively allocated about $195 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine from late January 2022 through June 2025, while the US allocated about $134 billion for Ukraine over the same period.
Trump's Claim About Ukraine Starting the War
Trump's claim that Ukraine started the war is false. This was publicly corrected by Mike Pence and several Republican lawmakers.
Trump's Promises to End the War
Trump made 53 declarations, in a serious tone, that he would end the war within 24 hours or before taking office.
Support for a Negotiated Quick End to the War
In early July, a Gallup poll found that 69% of respondents supported Ukraine seeking to negotiate an end to the war as soon as possible.
Explanation of Zelensky's Comments About US Aid
The Washington Post explained how Zelensky's comments about US aid were in line with the fact that a large chunk of US support for Ukraine is not in the form of money handed to the Ukrainian government.
Factors That Hindered Russia's Invasion
One of the factors that hindered Russia's invasion is that there were not many good highways and roads leading from Belarus to Kyiv, which canalized their forces.
Trump's Claim About Russian Tanks Getting Stuck in the Mud
Trump's claim that Russian tanks got stuck in the mud and didn't make it to Kyiv is false, according to military analysts and Ukrainians.
Rob Lee's Statement About Russian Tanks Getting Stuck in the Mud
Rob Lee, a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia Program, stated that Russian tanks did get stuck in the mud during the initial invasion, but this was often after they struggled to advance along roads.
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