Portugal President Calls Trump Russian Asset Amid Ukraine Conflict

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of being a "Russian asset," asserting that Trump's leadership has strategically benefited Russia amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at a youth event in Portugal, de Sousa criticized Trump’s approach to the conflict, noting that the U.S. has shifted from being an ally of Ukraine to acting more like a referee who negotiates primarily with Russia. De Sousa's remarks followed the 2025 Russia–United States Summit in Alaska, where Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met but failed to secure a ceasefire. The Portuguese president highlighted that Trump’s policies and public statements, including his praise for Russia’s actions and support for Russian peace proposals, have raised questions about his relationship with Moscow. While there is no direct evidence that Trump is a Russian agent, critics and former officials have expressed concern over his consistent soft posture toward Russia and close interactions with Putin. Trump's stance has sparked international debate about the implications of his leadership on the Ukraine conflict and U.S.-Russia relations.