Vitaliy Portnikov, a journalist, writer, and political commentator, shares his insights on the role of individual players in forming US policy toward Ukraine and peace, also evaluating the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia.
Portnikov states that Donald Trump is the decisive actor in US policy. Advisors like Keith Kellogg or Steve Witkoff do not significantly affect outcomes — it is Trump who determines the course of events. When Trump’s stance on supporting Ukraine changed, Republicans in Congress quickly shifted their position, reflecting the personalized nature of power.
Regarding European security, the expert notes that while countries sign new defense agreements, such as between the UK and Germany, they do not fundamentally change reliance on the US and NATO. There is no sensational isolation of Germany or “death of NATO.”
About the prospects of ending the war in Ukraine, Portnikov critically approaches claims that Trump can easily end the conflict through economic means alone. The West’s real economic leverage over Russia is limited, and Russia’s partners—China, India, Turkey—are unlikely to stop energy trade. Economic pressure remains important but a quick end to the war under a Trump administration is unlikely.
On negotiations with Russia, the expert says real dialogue is only possible if the Kremlin abandons its goal of eliminating Ukrainian statehood. As long as this idea persists, substantive negotiations are impossible.
The expert also touches upon issues of national minorities in Zakarpattia, manipulations by Hungarian PM Orban, and the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural identity for minorities in Ukraine.
He also comments on the situation in Syria, explaining the escalation as a result of the new government’s policy and Israel’s role in protecting the Druze minority.
Finally, Portnikov shares his views on public attitudes toward Lina Kostenko and the phenomenon of national self-creation.
