A new report reveals that the Trump administration internally resisted branding Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as “illegal,” despite strong global condemnation and calls for accountability.
Based on internal State Department communications and first published by The Washington Post, the news shows a deliberate avoidance of language that would trigger legal consequences or obligate sanctions beyond what had already been imposed.
The hesitation contrasts sharply with the stance of the Biden administration, which has repeatedly called the invasion a
Clear violation of international law.
Avoiding the Word ‘Illegal’ Raises Eyebrows
The internal memos reportedly show that U.S. officials under President Donald Trump avoided terms like “illegal invasion” or “act of aggression” when addressing the situation publicly.
Instead, the administration chose vague phrases such as “deeply troubling” or “unprovoked military action,” even after Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory drew criticism from NATO allies.
According to policy experts, this hesitation may have been aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open with Moscow or avoiding military or humanitarian support commitments.
A senior analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations said,
Language matters in diplomacy. Not calling it illegal weakens the West’s collective position.
Pakistani foreign policy observers have also weighed in, comparing it to how certain states handle cross-border violations closer to home. As reported, terminology used by major powers often reflects political convenience, not just legal truth.
Global Reactions and Pakistan’s Position
While European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz used legal terms to condemn the war, the Trump team kept its wording soft. This subtle diplomacy has resurfaced in criticism ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections.
In contrast, Pakistan’s stance on international conflicts has remained neutral but firm on sovereignty. The Pakistani Foreign Office has called for a peaceful resolution and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Analysts in Islamabad believe the Trump administration’s tone may have emboldened regional powers to act aggressively without fear of global legal consequences.
Experts’ reports on China’s response to Ukraine noted a similar soft-pedaling approach from Beijing, which avoided condemning Moscow but emphasized dialogue and diplomacy.
The implications of this report could also impact Pakistan-U.S. relations, particularly as Islamabad navigates its foreign policy between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing.
