Guardian correspondent Luke Harding's new book, 'Betrayal', details a significant shift in US policy towards Ukraine following Donald Trump's re-election. The book suggests that Trump believed his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be sufficient to secure an immediate ceasefire.
The new US administration reportedly moved to reduce support for Ukraine. This included voting with Russia's supporters against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russian aggression, with China abstaining. Intelligence was also cut off to Ukraine's frontline forces for a brief but critical period.
Trump reportedly denounced his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the support given to Ukraine, exaggerating its value as $350bn when it was closer to $70bn. He also demanded privileged access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth as a form of repayment. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was reportedly challenged in the Oval Office, accused of disrespecting the president after attempting to correct falsehoods about his country's war efforts.
Later, Trump invited Putin to Alaska for a summit, reportedly believing Putin was prepared to compromise. However, the meeting was described as a failure, with Putin's only compromise involving Ukraine handing over its territory without a fight. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly denying Russian claims that this was agreed in principle.
Harding's book also includes reporting from Ukrainian cities under attack, such as Odessa, where a children's clinic was hit by an Iranian-designed Russian Shahed drone. Olena Palsh, who worked at the clinic, lamented the destruction of five years of work.