How Much Longer?

Summary

In her October 10, 2026, commentary, Heather Cox Richardson argues that Donald Trump is openly aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermining the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. She points to Trump’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil, his blame of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for prolonging the war, and his warning that Zelensky “better damn well stop.”

Richardson notes that Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries to limit Moscow’s war revenues, while Russia has attacked civilian targets. She also says the global diesel-price squeeze is driven largely by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, not by Ukraine’s strikes.

Historical context

After the Soviet Union dissolved, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in return for security assurances from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Richardson recounts Russia’s efforts to exert influence over Ukraine, including the rise of pro-Russian politician Viktor Yanukovych, his work with American political consultant Paul Manafort, and Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea after Yanukovych was ousted.

She draws attention to the Mueller report and the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee’s findings about Manafort and his Russian associate Konstantin Kilimnik. According to Richardson’s account, they discussed a plan to create an autonomous region in eastern Ukraine that would give Russia a route to control the area. She argues that the plan conflicted with U.S. policy supporting a free and united Ukraine, and that its proponents expected a Trump presidency might help advance it.

Trump did not implement the plan in his first term. After Russia’s 2022 invasion, President Joe Biden rallied NATO allies and other partners to support Ukraine.

Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and Russia

Richardson says that since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly pressured Zelensky to surrender territory, welcomed Putin to Alaska, and moved against the International Criminal Court, including by imposing sanctions on it.

She also highlights Trump’s removal of Russian oil sanctions. Even if Russia’s available supply is limited, Richardson argues, higher global oil prices could still provide valuable revenue for Putin’s war.

Trump’s lawsuit and Richardson’s conclusion

Richardson notes that Trump has asked the Supreme Court to review his lawsuit accusing Hillary Clinton and others of conspiring to link his campaign to Russia. Lower courts dismissed the case as frivolous and sanctioned his attorneys.

Richardson concludes by asking how much more evidence is needed to judge that Trump is undermining U.S. national security, and how long Republicans in Congress will continue to protect him.

Presenters and contributors

• Heather Cox Richardson — wrote and read the commentary
• Soundscape Productions — production
• Michael Moss — composed the music