On July 15, host Valeriy Klochok discussed one of the most sensational topics of recent days: Donald Trump's pledge of support for Ukraine and the wide-ranging reactions from international players.
Trump declared that under his leadership, the US and NATO are ready to support Ukraine with weapons and other aid. The US Ambassador to NATO emphasized that if Putin wants war, the West will ensure he gets it. However, this support currently involves deliveries of weapons only, without Western troops on the ground.
The Kremlin quickly responded: Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and other Russian officials cast doubt on the seriousness of Trump's ultimatums and the possibility of passing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that Russia rejects any ultimatums and will continue the war if the West does not accept its terms. Medvedev mocked Trump's statement, but according to Klochok, there is genuine unease inside the Kremlin.
The White House denied reports that Trump told Zelensky about possible strikes on Moscow or St. Petersburg. Discussions are ongoing regarding long-range weapons, which could reach deep into Russian territory, being supplied to Ukraine via third countries.
Reuters reports that Putin is ignoring Trump's ultimatum, intending to intensify the conflict until the West agrees to Russian peace terms. The Kremlin believes the Russian economy is strong enough to handle new Western sanctions, though analysts are skeptical.
Meanwhile, Europe has yet to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia, while China reiterated its opposition to US unilateral sanctions and pledged deeper support for Russia amid Trump's tariff threats.
In Ukraine, significant political changes are underway. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has resigned, and Yuliya Svyrydenko is seen as his likely successor. President Zelensky tasked her with boosting domestic weapons production, securing contracts for drones, deregulating the economy, and ensuring proper social support programs. Important new laws have been signed, including those enabling dual citizenship, ratification of a special tribunal for Russia’s aggression, and Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines.
Summary: Trump's statements and the resulting international response open up new perspectives for Ukraine as the country adapts to wartime realities and political transformation.
