In what must come as a terrible shock to liberals who believe that President Trump is Russian President Putin’s puppet, the American president has approved a plan to send antitank missiles to Ukraine, thereby ensuring a “new phase” in the conflict between that country and Ukraine.

The decision to send Javelin antitank missiles, the Wall Street Journal reports, “places Washington closer to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Although Ukrainian government officials have long sought these missiles, the U.S. refused to do give in to the pressure fearing doing so would escalate the conflict.”

Apparently, those fears have been dealt with.

As Noah Rothman explains, Kiev will undoubtedly be extremely happy with this decision:

When I was in Kiev in Feb, all I was told was that the tide in Donbas would shift if only they were provided Javlin anti-tank missiles. Trump just approved their transfer to Ukraine. https://t.co/TnwF1oexKw — Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) December 23, 2017

This is a significant escalation of tensions between the West and Moscow and another major blow to Putin’s aspirations in Europe. — Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) December 23, 2017

Additionally, Commentary rightfully points out that although Trump is often accused of being “buddies” with Putin, his administration has actually been much tougher on Russia than Obama’s.

Isn’t it strange how the mainstream media have yet to point out these facts?

Be that as it may, it’s clear now that Trump’s foreign policy is much more “conventional Republican” than many seem to believe. He’s taking steps to curb Russia’s influence in Europe and the Middle East, he’s prepared to take action against North Korea, and he has taken steps against Iran. That’s a significant change from Obama’s foreign policy — which was all talk and no action. Even, yes perhaps especially so, with regards to Russia and Ukraine.