The war in Iran ought to make the Trump Administration regret its unstable behavior towards Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has weathered Trump’s constantly shifting policies and strange desire to play nice Russia, only to be proven right that America should not trust Russia.

Trump keeps falling for the idea that President Vladimir Putin wants peace. Despite the Kremlin’s denials that they are not involved in the Iran War and their calls for de-escalation in the Middle East, Russia is secretly sharing locations of U.S. targets with Iran. Russia’s satellites are helping fill Iran’s intelligence gaps, making their strikes deadlier as they hit U.S. and allied bases and troops. Russia isn’t giving direct military aid — Putin wants to appease Trump — but they are still trying to undermine America and its allies. Perhaps Trump should consider Russia’s actions the next time he tries to make peace in Ukraine. Perhaps he may consider giving Ukraine, our patient partner, more voice.

Trump has rightly labelled Iran as one of the greatest sponsors of terrorism, but they are also enabling Russia’s continued onslaught against Ukraine with cheap Shahed drones — the same ones being used to kill U.S. servicemembers and hit our Gulf allies. How generous that, despite Ukraine having a war of its own, they are sending battle-hardened specialists to help us in our fight. The Ukrainians have spent years enduring Iranian drones hitting their cities, and now they have the capacity to help us after their harrowing experiences.

The friend of one’s enemy is also an enemy. Russia and Iran are scratching one another’s backs. Russia isn’t just Ukraine’s enemy; Russia is also our enemy. So it’s strange that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has no message for Russia and thinks they are“not really a factor” right now. They are. Our adversaries do not work in separate silos; they are all linked together in a mutual web of support. The folly of the “Donroe Doctrine” and “America First” foreign policy is that the Trump Administration tries to prioritize certain regions over others. Our adversaries don’t work that way; they all work together to make sure that America is pressured all over the world.

As a side note: Trump also owes our European and Canadian allies an apology after various unnecessary controversies, like demands that America should annex Greenland or Canada. For the past few months, he has constantly cast doubt on whether our allies would help us, and his words have caused division between both sides of the Atlantic. But after all that Trump did to our allies, it’s surprising (and heartwarming) to see them support us, whether that be in official statements or lending military bases for defensive purposes. France and Germany have condemned Iran. Britain has lent its bases, and even fighter jets, to assist in defensive operations. Canada hasn’t ruled out participation in the conflict. President Trump was right to demand that NATO members increase the money they spend on collective defense. NATO was in need of discipline, but Trump has stretched too far and become a bully. Perhaps he should think about treating our allies better after their continued loyalty.

While this article is mainly critical of Trump, critics of the ongoing Iran war also need to be criticized. Democrats and Republicans who have constantly advocated for U.S. aid to Ukraine now are wary of fighting Iran, when Iran has been enabling Russian military efforts. One doesn’t necessarily have to be pro-war, but isn’t it helpful to our Ukraine allies to cut off one source of Russia’s suicide drone armament? 

The war in Iran is lamentable. There are many casualties throughout Iran and the Middle East. Such conflicts arise when we become complacent and misread the way our adversaries work. President Trump criticizes past administrations for not doing enough concerning Iran, but he should be careful lest he does not do enough for Ukraine. That could become a larger war if he is not careful to put his foot down and deter Russia. I’m sure Trump does not want a Russian offensive throughout Eastern Europe. Therefore, he should be vigilant and draw a line that Russia could never afford to cross.