An in-depth interview with journalist, pundit, and TV presenter Vitaliy Portnikov was published on the Pryamyi YouTube channel. Key topics included the possibility of Ukraine receiving long-range missiles, including Tomahawks, Russia's response, and Western countries' positions on the ongoing war phase.
Portnikov noted that public announcements about weapons supply are important signals to Russia. If Russia is not ready for realistic negotiations, the United States is prepared to intensify military aid to Ukraine. However, the expert emphasized that such statements should be followed by real deliveries and battlefield effectiveness.
Special attention was given to Donald Trump's position—not only his readiness to supply weapons, but also his statements regarding de-escalation. Portnikov stressed that real actions, not just political statements, matter most.
The interview also addressed Russian drone and aircraft violations of European Union airspace, the responses (or restraint) of European governments to these incidents, and the reasons for their caution in confronting Russia. According to Portnikov, European countries are seeking to avoid war on their territory, hoping restraint will help prevent escalation.
The possibility of a Russian attack on NATO and the changing nature of modern warfare—where not only the frontline but also the rear comes under attack, such as by drone strikes on infrastructure and the information space—were also discussed.
Portnikov explained that Russian airspace violations over EU countries serve to intimidate, provoke, and destabilize European governments, promoting restrictions on aid to Ukraine so they can conserve their resources for their own security. This narrative, he reminded, is also promoted by far-right forces and some Western politicians.
Partially limited sanctions and aid are explained by fear of economic and legal risks. The West tries to balance the desire to help Ukraine with its own security and stability. Portnikov mentioned the uncertainty over confiscating Russian assets and the possible creation of new support coalitions.
The final part of the interview focused on public statements by European politicians, especially Angela Merkel, the potential creation of a no-fly zone over Western Ukraine, and the political situation in EU member states.
