Barack Obama criticizes the Trump administration / The former president accuses the White House of “bowing” before Russian President Vladimir Putin and of “betraying the Ukrainians”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama criticized the Donald Trump administration for moving closer to Russia and distancing itself from the United States’ traditional allies, in a speech delivered at a rally for Democrats in Georgia ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

Obama accused the White House of “bowing” to Russian President Vladimir Putin and betraying Ukrainians fighting for freedom and democracy. He argued that the United States needs “serious people in Washington” and criticized what he described as a lack of seriousness and preparedness within the current administration.

The former president’s statements come amid Washington’s efforts to mediate an agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The Trump administration recently announced an agreement concerning diesel deliveries from Russia and temporarily eased certain sanctions—measures critics say could economically benefit Moscow without significantly lowering fuel prices in the United States.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for rising fuel prices. However, several experts argue that the main impact on costs was caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran.