To the editor:

I have been watching in disbelief and horror as President Trump recently and dramatically reversed the US position on the Russia/Ukraine war. Within the past two weeks Trump has attacked President Zelenskyy, calling him a dictator (“Did I say that?” yes, you most certainly did.).

Trump also repeatedly and falsely claimed Zelenskyy is responsible for starting this war. Another outrageous, unfounded accusation directed at a leader who has exhibited incredible strength and resilience in the face of an unprovoked brutal invasion of their country. One person is responsible for this attack: Vladimir Putin — by any definition the most ruthless dictator in the world — though Trump refuses to call him out as such.

It has now been just over three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine. A very cruel, bloody war in which tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers have been killed or injured as well as 8 million citizens displaced. Russia also forcibly relocated 1.6 million men, women and children to Russian territory.

In response to this unprovoked attack, the Biden Administration and our European allies condemned the invasion, provided military, financial and humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian defense and imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The US and allies stood firm and continued to support the Ukrainians. That is until President Trump took office.

Trump’s response was to propose that Ukraine turn over $500 billion of profits from rare earth minerals as “compensation” for the U.S.’s wartime assistance — though the U.S. monetary donation to date is approximately $190 billion. This tactic smacks of extortion and exploiting a country ravaged by war.

President Trump’s ongoing acquiescence to Putin’s merciless demands is a betrayal of well-established human rights and democracy. It will have devastating consequences — not only for Ukraine, but for our future world security. It is my hope that a more compassionate, rational, non-partisan approach to ending this war can be negotiated by lawmakers and leaders. Until then: to my local Ukrainian friend, who inspired me to write this letter — I proudly stand with you and Ukraine

Pat Booker

New Ulm