Why Does U.S. Policy Seem So Cozy With Russia — Even During the Ukraine War?
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If you've been scratching your head lately wondering why U.S. foreign policy feels oddly soft on Russia — you're not alone. The Ukraine war is still raging, lives are still being lost, and yet the U.S. seems to be leaning into conversations with Moscow like it’s just another day at the diplomatic office.
So... what’s going on?
The Ukraine War: Still Real, Still Brutal
First off, the war in Ukraine hasn’t disappeared from the global stage. Russia's invasion, which started back in 2022, has led to the deaths of thousands and displaced millions. Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty, backed by many European nations and — traditionally — the U.S.
But lately, the tone out of Washington has shifted. Rather than standing firmly with Ukraine, the U.S. has been tiptoeing around Russia, even floating diplomatic talks that leave Ukraine out of the room entirely. That’s right — discussions about ending the war, without the country that’s actually fighting it.
Economic Choices That Raise Eyebrows
The confusion doesn’t stop at diplomacy. Recently, the U.S. made a puzzling move by applying tariffs on a wide swath of countries — but not Russia. Officials claimed existing sanctions made extra tariffs “unnecessary.” Critics weren’t buying it, and many pointed out the decision looked suspiciously like favoritism, or at the very least, inconsistent logic.
The UN Shuffle
And then there’s the United Nations. The U.S., long a vocal critic of Russian aggression, chose to abstain from voting on a resolution that condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. For anyone who remembers the strong language and full-throated support for Ukraine just a year or two ago, this feels like political whiplash.
Allies Are Nervous — And Rightfully So
European allies are starting to notice the shift, and they’re not thrilled. If the U.S. starts softening its stance, it could embolden Russia, weaken Ukraine’s negotiating power, and send a dangerous signal to other authoritarian regimes around the world.
And at home? Lawmakers, activists, and everyday Americans are asking hard questions about what this alignment means for the future of U.S. leadership, not to mention global human rights and democracy itself.
Bottom Line: Whose Side Are We On?
The Ukraine war is about more than borders. It’s about defending democracy, self-determination, and standing up to authoritarian power. So when U.S. policy starts looking a little too friendly toward Russia, it’s not just politics — it’s about the values we claim to stand for.
And right now, a lot of people are wondering: Are we still standing for them?
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