US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that he "can understand their [Russians – ed.] feelings" regarding Joe Biden allegedly breaking a "deal" to deny Ukraine NATO membership.

Source: Trump at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on 7 January, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The incoming US president once again blamed the Biden administration for the  start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Trump stated that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO has been "a major issue for Russia for many, many years" when discussing the causes of the war.

Quote: "Somewhere along the line, Biden said: 'No, they [Ukrainians – ed.] should be able to join NATO.' Well, then Russia has somebody right on their doorstep. But I can understand their feelings about that." 

Details: When asked by a journalist to clarify when exactly the US opposed Ukraine's NATO membership, the president-elect replied: "My view, it was always understood".

Quote: "In fact, I believe they had a deal and then Biden broke it. They had a deal which would have been a satisfactory deal to Ukraine and everybody else, but Biden said: 'No, you have to be able to join NATO'." 

Background:

• Trump previously argued that Joe Biden should not have promised Ukraine NATO membership, claiming this was a reason for Russia starting its full-scale war.
• Earlier, Trump assured that in his efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, he would "not abandon Ukraine".

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