Ukraine apparently has an unexpected ally in the White House: Melania Trump. This week, the US first lady has been receiving a lot of praise on social media after it became clear that she was the one who pointed out to her husband the inconsistencies in Russian President Vladimir Putin's behavior regarding ending the war in Ukraine.
"I talk to him a lot about getting this job done", Trump said on Monday. "Then I hang up the phone and say, It was a nice conversation. But then the Russian missiles are launched at Kiev or some other city. When that happens three or four times, you think, These conversations don't mean anything."
On Monday, Trump gave Putin an ultimatum - to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days or face severe economic sanctions. Whether it will be exactly 50 days is unclear. On Tuesday, Donald Trump clarified that it could be earlier.
"Agent Melania Trumpenko"
In his statements criticizing Putin and not hiding his disappointment with the Russian president's moves, Trump also emphasizes the role of his wife. "I go home and tell the first lady: I spoke with Vladimir today, we had a great conversation. And she replies: Is that so? Another city was just hit."
On social networks, Ukrainians express their admiration for Melania Trump's behavior. "So all this time Melania has been for us?", wrote the famous blogger Ihor Lachenkov. "Melania for US president!", we read in another Telegram profile with 1.5 million followers. Elsewhere, many call her "Agent Melania Trumpenko" and upload collages of the US first lady with the Ukrainian flag. Others mock the suggestion that it was she who influenced the change in Washington's policy.
Melania Trump knows well what threat emanates from Russia
Melania Trump is Slovenian and grew up in the former Yugoslavia. Her homeland provides humanitarian, economic and military aid to Ukraine. Melania herself has already expressed her support for the attacked country - in 2022, she shared a post on social networks appealing for donations for the Red Cross and its humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainians", she wrote at the time.
In an interview with DW, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said that she did not know what influence Melania had on Donald Trump. But it is "good to know that we have a first lady" on the side of Slovenia and Ukraine, Fayon added.
Melania Trump has not renounced her Slovenian citizenship. She also speaks to her son Barron in her native language.
Many observers note that, due to the years she lived in the former Yugoslavia, Melania is the person in Trump's inner circle who is most aware of the danger emanating from Russia.
First ladies are not a silent letter
Other first ladies have also exerted influence in the White House - from social programs and causes in support of the needy, which Michelle Obama lobbied for, to defending political positions, as was the case with Hillary Clinton.
In an interview with the Ukrainian "Channel 24" Former Ukrainian Security Service official Ivan Stupak said he hopes the first lady's sympathies for Ukraine will influence American foreign policy.
"In the history of different countries, we have seen that first ladies - without this being a rule valid in 100% of cases - do not simply stand in the background," he commented. "I want to believe that she has some influence - that she can say something and Trump will listen to her," Stupak added.
What Trump wants
Melania may share her opinion on Ukraine with her husband, but when it comes to business, he listens mostly to himself. Trump's presidency has been largely transactional - he insists on being able to declare victory or some benefit in every negotiation he leads.
While his predecessor Joe Biden was resolute in sending military aid to Ukraine, Trump quickly turned the tap in the first months of his administration. The US president and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky came to a serious clash a few months ago, but Putin's refusal to respond to Trump's calls for a ceasefire has clearly changed his attitude towards the Ukrainian cause.
But only on condition that support for Ukraine is well paid: the US will send Patriot missile systems to Kiev, but Washington's European partners will have to pay for them.
Author: Matthew Ward Ages