A detailed interview was held on the analytical platform “Analyze” with Valeriy Klochok, head of the Public Analytics Center “Vezha”, covering major events in Ukraine and globally.
The discussion focused on the impact of Donald Trump’s statements: whether tough sanctions against Russia or long-range weapons such as Tomahawks are more effective for Ukraine. The expert emphasized the importance of a combined approach, as sanction pressure and military support amplify each other. European countries are not always prompt in providing funds, and the effectiveness of sanctions is met with both political and economic challenges.
The strategic significance of the energy and financial aspects of the war was emphasized. Russia continues to earn substantial revenue from energy exports, maintaining military and political influence. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries serve a clear military-economic purpose. Simultaneously, Ukraine faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring energy security: winter preparations, gas and electricity import issues, and the need for ongoing European support.
The global context was also discussed, including China’s interests in prolonging the war, Trump’s negotiation strategy, and the role of mediators such as Vitkoff and Kushner. The analyst highlighted the risk of “freezing” the conflict without a formal peace agreement.
European Union enlargement, Montenegro’s potential accession and Russia’s influence in the Balkans, as well as Ukraine’s internal political developments — such as the revocation of Odessa’s mayor’s citizenship and election preparations under martial law — were also reviewed.
The expert’s conclusions highlight the complexity of current geopolitics, the need for a synergy of international sanctions, military aid, and energy resilience. The importance of transparent government communication and the EU’s role as a stability guarantor for Ukraine was also underlined.
