Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Blames Zelensky for War; Modi Defends Oil Imports

8/20/2025

30 6

Center

Trump Blames Zelensky

Trump accused Ukraine's President Zelensky of responsibility for the ongoing war, claiming he could end it.
Experts believe the U.S. and Europe have not maximized economic sanctions against Russia, reducing their impact.
White House adviser Navarro condemned India's purchase of Russian oil, warning of potential U.S. tariffs.
Indian PM Modi stressed the importance of safeguarding domestic interests amid external pressures on oil imports.

Right

Smith Defends Trump

Stephen A. Smith defended Donald Trump regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, attributing blame to former presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton.
He emphasized that significant events leading to the war happened during their terms, notably the 2014 Crimea invasion under Obama.
Smith criticized Clinton for fostering Ukraine's reliance on the U.S. after the country's disarmament in 1994.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia followed Ukraine's Euromaidan protests and the ousting of President Yanukovych, which created political instability. This led to the Budapest Memorandum's failure, where Russia, the U.S., and the UK had pledged to uphold Ukraine's sovereignty in exchange for its nuclear disarmament. The ongoing conflict has since strained U.S.-Russia relations and influenced global energy dynamics.

1 of 3

Trump Blames Zelensky

Trump accused Ukraine's President Zelensky of responsibility for the ongoing war, claiming he could end it.
Experts believe the U.S. and Europe have not maximized economic sanctions against Russia, reducing their impact.
White House adviser Navarro condemned India's purchase of Russian oil, warning of potential U.S. tariffs.
Indian PM Modi stressed the importance of safeguarding domestic interests amid external pressures on oil imports.

1 / 3