In an interview with the U.S. media outlet POLITICO, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Russia holds the "upper hand" in the conflict due to its overwhelming size and strength. He credited Ukrainians for their bravery, but argued that "at some point, size will win."

Trump also claimed that, long before Putin, there was a clear understanding that Ukraine would not join NATO.

"Zelenskyy first went in and first met Putin, he said I want two things. I want Crimea back and we're gonna be a member of NATO. He didn't say it in a very nice way either," said Trump.