Consider This from NPR: Trump Threatens Russia over Ukraine – Will It Make a Difference?

Release Date: July 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of NPR's Consider This, host Juana Summers delves into the recent seismic shifts in U.S. policy towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict under President Donald Trump’s administration. With in-depth analysis and expert insights, the episode examines whether Trump's new strategies will effectively alter the dynamics of the ongoing war and its broader geopolitical implications.

1. Shifting U.S. Support for Ukraine

The episode opens with a recap of the recent pause in U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine. Juana Summers highlights that earlier in the month, the Trump administration announced a suspension of weapon deliveries, citing depleted munitions stockpiles due to sustained U.S. support and military operations:

Juana Summers [00:00]: "If you've lost track of where the US stands on Russia's war with Ukraine, you're forgiven. Earlier this month, the administration announced it wasn't going to keep sending weapons to Ukraine."

Greg Myre, NPR’s national security correspondent, adds context to this decision:

Greg Myre [00:10]: "It's unclear how long this pause will last."

The Pentagon emphasized that critical munitions, including air defense interceptors, were running low, signaling a potential shift in military priorities under Trump's leadership.

2. President Trump's Escalated Rhetoric Against Russia

Just days after the announcement to halt weapon shipments, President Trump publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a phone call, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia's ongoing bombardment of Ukraine:

Donald Trump [00:38]: "And we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine. And I'm not happy about that."

At a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reiterated his concerns:

Donald Trump [00:57]: "They're getting hit very hard now. They're getting hit very hard."

This marked a noticeable departure from Trump's earlier, more sympathetic stance towards Russia and Putin.

3. Reversing the Weapons Pause

In a swift turnaround, President Trump reversed the decision to pause weapons shipments, emphasizing the necessity of enabling Ukraine to defend itself:

Donald Trump [01:06]: "We're going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves."

Shortly after this declaration, the U.S. resumed shipping weapons to Ukraine, signaling a strengthened support amidst escalating conflicts.

4. Introducing a NATO-Centric Weapons Strategy

During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump unveiled a novel approach to supplying weapons to Ukraine. Instead of direct shipments, the U.S. proposed that NATO countries purchase American weapons and subsequently transfer them to Ukraine. This strategy aimed to distribute the financial and logistical burden among NATO allies:

Donald Trump [01:28]: "So in a nutshell, we're going to make top of the line weapons and they'll be sent to NATO."

Greg Myre explains that this plan includes the provision of 17 Patriot Air Defense systems, significantly bolstering Ukraine's defenses against Russian missile and drone attacks:

Greg Myre [05:53]: "Russia is exploiting this by massively stepping up drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, hoping to exhaust Ukraine's defenses."

5. Reactions Within Ukraine

The Ukrainian government has responded cautiously yet optimistically to the new U.S. strategy. Alexander Morezhko, a member of Ukraine's parliament and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed hope for the change in U.S. policy while remaining mindful of past inconsistencies:

Alexander Morezhko [06:40]: "Well, hopefully it might mean the change of the mood and stance of President Trump, but at the same time, we are very careful about this, taking into consideration the previous experience."

This balanced reaction underscores Ukraine's need for reliable support amid ongoing hostilities.

6. Trump's Threats of Economic Sanctions

Beyond military aid, President Trump has escalated his rhetoric by threatening severe economic measures against Russia if it fails to broker a ceasefire within 50 days. During his announcement alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump outlined potential tariffs and sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's economy:

Donald Trump [07:00]: "So, politics and economics, which are taught separately, they shouldn't be separated at all. I think you have to understand one to really appreciate the other."

Greg Myre provides further details, noting that the proposed Senate bill could impose tariffs of up to 500% on nations purchasing Russian oil, targeting countries like China, India, and Brazil:

Greg Myre [07:00]: "The tariffs appear to be mostly a threat right now. A Senate bill would impose sanctions of up to 500% on countries that buy Russian oil, like China, India, Brazil."

However, Myre points out the challenges in directly punishing Russia, given its already burdened economy from existing Western sanctions and limited trade interactions.

7. Assessing the Potential Impact

As Juana Summers and Greg Myre explore the ramifications of these policy changes, several critical questions emerge:

• Effectiveness of Distributed Weapons Support: By leveraging NATO allies to supply weapons, the U.S. can enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities without bearing the entire financial burden. This collective approach may also strengthen NATO's role in European security.

• Sustainability of Trump's New Stance: While Trump's increased support for Ukraine marks a significant policy shift, its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. Historical inconsistencies in U.S. support for Ukraine may influence the reception and effectiveness of these new measures.

• Economic Sanctions as a Deterrent: The proposed tariffs and sanctions represent a strategic attempt to pressure Russia economically. However, the actual impact on Russia's war efforts and economy will depend on global compliance and Russia's ability to adapt to these measures.

• Ukraine's Strategic Position: With bolstered air defenses and renewed international support, Ukraine may achieve a more sustainable defensive posture. This could potentially deter further Russian aggression or create a more favorable negotiating environment for peace.

8. Conclusion

NPR's Consider This episode provides a thorough examination of President Trump's recent policy shifts regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. By transitioning from a pause in weapon shipments to a robust support framework facilitated through NATO allies, alongside heightened economic threats to Russia, the U.S. aims to reshape the strategic landscape of the war. While these measures hold the promise of strengthening Ukraine's defenses and pressuring Russia towards negotiations, their ultimate effectiveness will depend on sustained international cooperation and the evolving dynamics of the conflict.

This episode was produced by Michael Levitt and Briana Scott, with editing by Courtney Dorning, Andrew Sussman, and John Ketchum. Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun.