Trump Tells Zelensky to ‘Act as You See Fit’ Amid U.S. Criticism of Putin’s ‘Senseless War

US Authorizes Ukraine to Strike Deeper into Russia, Amidst Trump’s Denials

October 23, 2025 – 8:00 AM

Policy Shift Enables Attacks on Key Russian infrastructure

The United States has quietly authorized Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, according to reports confirmed by White House officials. This policy adjustment allows Kyiv to target crucial energy infrastructure, alongside military and industrial sites, deepening its capacity to retaliate against Russian aggression.

The decision, enacted secretly within Washington, places General Alexus Grynkewich, the top US commander in Europe and NATO’s military chief, as the sole approving authority for such strikes. While Ukraine will leverage US targeting data, washington maintains a degree of control over the deployment of these weapons.

Trump Denies Involvement,Scuttles Putin Summit

Former President Donald Trump vehemently denied any involvement in the decision,labeling reports of the change as “fake news” on his Truth Social platform. He asserted that the US holds no responsibility for the missiles or Ukraine’s actions, further complicating the narrative surrounding the escalating conflict.

This denial comes after Trump cancelled a planned peace conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, citing the lack of a genuine commitment to a ceasefire from Russia’s foreign Secretary Sergey Lavrov. The collapse of these talks signals a continued impasse in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

economic Pressure Mounts on Russia

Simultaneously with the revised missile policy, the US is intensifying economic pressure on Russia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the imminent implementation of ample new sanctions targeting the Russian economy.

These sanctions specifically target two of Russia’s largest energy companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to disrupt the Kremlin’s financial resources and ability to fund the ongoing war. The Treasury Department stated that further action is prepared to support diplomatic resolution.

Missile Impact and Prior Requests

Recent strikes utilizing British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles have already demonstrated the potency of this change, causing meaningful damage to an explosives and rocket-fuel plant in Bryansk on Tuesday. Ukraine’s military is expected to increase its reliance on these long-range capabilities.

Previously, ukraine’s appeals for US-made long-range Tomahawk missiles were denied by the White House last week following a contentious meeting between President Zelensky and US officials.

Understanding Long-Range Missile Warfare

Long-range missile systems, like the Storm Shadow and potential Tomahawk deployments, have fundamentally altered the landscape of modern warfare. Their precision targeting capabilities allow for strategic disruption of enemy logistics, infrastructure, and command centers. However, their use also carries significant risks of escalation and the potential for miscalculation.

Missile Type	Range (approx.)	Origin
Storm Shadow	180+ miles	United Kingdom/France
Tomahawk	1,000+ miles	United States

Did You Know? The use of long-range precision strikes relies heavily on sophisticated intelligence gathering and real-time data analysis.

Pro Tip: Geopolitical risks associated with the conflict in Ukraine are significantly influencing global energy markets and supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are long-range missiles and why are they significant in the Ukraine conflict? Long-range missiles enable Ukraine to target critical infrastructure deeper within Russian territory, potentially disrupting supply lines and military operations.
• Did President Trump approve the change in policy regarding Ukraine’s missile strikes? According to reports,the decision was made within the current administration,and President Trump has publicly denied any involvement,deeming the reports as “fake news”.
• What impact will the new sanctions have on Russia’s economy? The sanctions targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, two major energy companies, aim to significantly reduce Russia’s revenue streams and limit its ability to fund the war effort.
• What was the reason for cancelling the planned meeting between Trump and Putin? President Trump cancelled the meeting citing Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire and a lack of willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
• What is the role of General Alexus Grynkewich in approving these strikes? general Grynkewich, as the top US commander in Europe, is now the sole authority responsible for approving Ukraine’s use of US-provided targeting data for long-range missile strikes.

What are your thoughts on the US decision to allow Ukraine more latitude in striking targets within Russia? Do you believe this will escalate or de-escalate the conflict?

Share your perspective and join the conversation below!

How might a shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine, as suggested by Trump’s statement, impact the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia?

The Shift in U.S. Policy Towards Ukraine

Former President Donald Trump’s recent statement advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to “act as you see fit” represents a significant departure from established U.S. foreign policy regarding the ongoing conflict wiht Russia.This pronouncement arrives amidst escalating criticism from within the U.S. regarding President Putin’s actions in Ukraine, frequently described as a “senseless war” and a violation of international law. The implications of Trump’s stance are far-reaching, possibly signaling a re-evaluation of American support for Ukraine should he regain office.

This shift in rhetoric contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s consistent condemnation of Russia’s invasion and its commitment to providing military and economic aid to Ukraine. The core of the debate centers around the level and type of support the U.S. should offer,with some advocating for increased involvement and others,like Trump,suggesting a more hands-off approach.

Decoding Trump’s Message: A Closer Look

Trump’s phrasing, while seemingly straightforward, is laden with potential interpretations.Experts suggest several possible motivations behind the statement:

* A Critique of Current Aid Strategy: Trump has repeatedly criticized the amount of financial aid sent to Ukraine, arguing it’s not in the best interests of the U.S. His statement could be interpreted as a signal that he would not continue the current level of funding.

* Emphasis on Ukrainian Sovereignty: The phrase “act as you see fit” could be framed as respecting Ukraine’s right to self-determination, allowing Zelensky to pursue a resolution that aligns with Ukrainian interests, even if it differs from U.S. preferences.

* A Signal to Putin: Some analysts believe the statement is intended as a message to Vladimir Putin, suggesting a potential softening of U.S. opposition under a second Trump administration. This interpretation fuels concerns about a potential weakening of the transatlantic alliance.

* Domestic Political Positioning: Trump’s base frequently enough expresses skepticism about foreign entanglements. The statement could be a calculated move to appeal to this segment of the electorate.

Past Context: Trump’s Previous Interactions with Zelensky

The history of interactions between Trump and Zelensky is crucial to understanding the current situation.The 2019 phone call that led to Trump’s first impeachment centered around a request for Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.This incident raised serious questions about the potential for U.S. foreign policy to be influenced by domestic political considerations.

* The Impeachment Inquiry: The House of Representatives impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine.

* Military Aid Hold: Prior to the phone call, the Trump administration had temporarily withheld nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine.

* Ongoing Scrutiny: The events surrounding the 2019 phone call continue to be a subject of scrutiny and debate, shaping perceptions of Trump’s relationship with ukraine.

U.S.Criticism of Putin and the “Senseless War”

The Biden administration and many U.S. lawmakers have consistently condemned Putin’s invasion of ukraine as a brutal and unjustified act of aggression. The term “senseless war” has become a common descriptor, highlighting the devastating human cost and the lack of strategic rationale for the conflict.

Key criticisms include:

* violation of International Law: The invasion is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as basic principles of international law.

* War Crimes Allegations: numerous reports have documented evidence of potential war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including targeting civilians and infrastructure.

* Global Instability: The conflict has destabilized the region and has had far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, food security, and geopolitical relations.

* Humanitarian Crisis: The war has created a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes and in need of assistance.

Potential Ramifications of a Shift in U.S. Policy

A significant shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine, especially a reduction in support, could have profound consequences:

* Weakened Ukrainian Resistance: Reduced military aid could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

* Encouragement of Russian Aggression: A perceived lack of U.S.resolve could embolden Putin to escalate the conflict or pursue further territorial gains.

* Damage to Transatlantic Alliance: A divergence in U.S. policy could strain relations with European allies who remain committed to supporting Ukraine.

* Increased Global Instability: A weakening of the international order could create opportunities for other authoritarian regimes to challenge the status quo.

The Role of NATO and European Allies

While Trump’s statement focuses on U.S. policy, the response from NATO and European allies is critical. NATO has considerably increased its military presence in Eastern Europe and has provided substantial support to