Melania Trump, Russia and Ukraine
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President Trump suggested Monday that first lady Melania may have helped convince him to ramp up military aid to Ukraine.
As well as praising Ronald Reagan, who helped end the Cold War, she speaks to her son Barron in Slovene, and both still hold EU passports. It has long been reported that the first lady prefers to spend time away from the White House since her husband’s inauguration in January, as she is close to Barron, who is attending NYU.
Though Trump's decision was welcomed by leaders in Kyiv, Ukrainians and their supporters abroad also raised concerns that the 50-day window may offer Russian President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to intensify his long-range strikes against Ukrainian cities and ongoing summer frontline offensive.
Trump asked Volodymyr Zelenskyy whether Ukraine could strike Moscow, an inquiry that the White House says was merely a question but one that came hours after he voiced frustration at Putin’s refusal to accept a ceasefire.