The Trump Administration’s public statements on Ukraine cater to an increasingly hyper-online right. The statements and sentiments are not only not aligned with most Republican voters, but they are not aligned with most Americans who understand Russia’s dictator is not our friend.

Notwithstanding all of that, the view from inside the Trump Administration offers up a reasonable explanation for their recent behavior and votes. Even for those who do not agree with their statements and votes, understanding their point of view is useful.

First, President Trump wants to make clear to Ukraine, which pushed the General Assembly resolution, that it is not in a public relations fight, but a real war. Some in the Trump Administration think Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has spent more energy on publicity than winning.

Second, President Trump wanted to make clear to European powers that the United States is done throwing money at Ukraine. If Europe wants to continue, it can continue. But it needs to stop relying on the United States, its funds, and its weapons.

Third, President Trump wanted to make clear to Russia that Trump is not Biden. The Russians can sit with Trump to find a way to wind down the war. Trump understands Ukraine must give up territory to wind down the war. With an American-Ukrainian mineral deal done, Russia must understand the United States will continue to help Ukraine if the Russians are not prepared to end the war.

A caveat is how little private trust there is for Putin. The Trump Administration wants peace in Ukraine. They are not sure Putin really wants peace. Some of them calculate Putin thinks he can draw out Trump’s frustrations with Zelenskyy in such a way that the United States slows down aid to Ukraine. Putin also fears the repatriation of a massive number of battle hardened criminals suddenly roaming Russian cities. If Putin drags out talks and does not seem vested in ending the war, the Trump Administration will redouble American efforts to help Ukraine.

Slava Ukraine!