In an interview, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticized Trump's approach towards Russia, emphasizing the need for leaders to firmly express their disagreement. He argued that aligning with Putin against Ukraine undermines American prestige globally. Reflecting on his past interactions with Trump, Turnbull cautioned against trying to win him over through charm; he deemed such efforts futile on critical issues. Turnbull concluded with a stark warning: sacrificing alliances for Trump's approval is an unacceptable trade-off.
This is the moment of truth, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia said in an interview. They simply have to have the steel to stand up to Trump and tell him what they think, namely, that siding with Putin against Ukraine is a devastating blow to America's prestige and standing in the world.
Mr. Turnbull, who had his own clashes with Mr. Trump over refugees early in the president's first term, said that efforts to charm or cajole him on an issue this fundamental would likely go nowhere.
If the price of getting along with Trump is abandoning your allies, that is too high a price to pay, Mr. Turnbull said.
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