In an interview, political commentator Vitaliy Portnikov discusses the current state of US-Russia relations and how these dynamics affect Ukraine.
Portnikov notes that Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding the Ukraine-Russia war has become noticeably softer. While such a shift does not guarantee practical support, even Trump's words directly influence American policy and aid for Ukraine. Under Trump, many US officials prioritize pleasing the president, sometimes at the expense of national interests, fostering a culture of strong individual authority with foreign policy decisions closely aligned with the president's stance.
Portnikov details Russia’s use of hybrid warfare: drone attacks on Poland and Denmark, airspace incursions by Russian aircraft over NATO countries, and cyberattacks on European airports. He believes these are signs of a new stage in Russia's large-scale hybrid war against the West, where the boundaries of confrontation are unclear. For instance, Denmark is facing ongoing drone attacks after pledging to acquire weapons for Ukraine, yet its government is hesitant to accuse Russia directly, fearing escalation.
Meanwhile, Portnikov points out that Ukraine remains the only army in Europe, alongside Russia, capable of countering drones and modern warfare threats. European nations, particularly Poland and Denmark, are considering more active airspace defense, with Ukraine’s experience proving valuable for Western allies.
In conclusion, Portnikov expects a prolonged conflict that could spread beyond Ukraine’s borders, but he notes the remarkable resilience of Ukrainian society. He further credits Zelenskyy’s political approach for strengthening Western support, including influencing Trump's rhetoric. Portnikov does not rule out the escalation of hybrid warfare and advises European countries to adapt their defense strategies to current threats.
