In a new interview with Politico, US President Donald Trump once again stressed that Ukraine will have to accept the terms of a peace agreement with Russia, possibly involving the loss of Ukrainian territory. He also expressed disappointment with President Volodymyr Zelensky, insisting on the need for elections in Ukraine and emphasizing that democracy cannot exist without them. Trump criticized Europe, which he believes is heading in the wrong direction.
However, the interview includes no clear views on the Russia-Ukraine war. As before, Trump uses vague phrases and repeated assertions, claiming that if he had been president, there would have been no war. According to the analyst, Trump is convinced that Russia should defeat Ukraine simply because it is larger but fails to explain why this has not happened so far.
Trump conceals his sympathy for Russia and antipathy toward Ukraine, since most of his voters support aid to Ukraine. Regarding Europe, he allows himself harsh criticism aligned with conservative and radical positions. Trump openly sympathizes with right-wing politicians, underscoring his rejection of liberal European values and Ukraine's desire to join the EU.
The author stresses that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is highly unlikely in the coming years due to a lack of real prerequisites for ending the war. Trump's pressure on Ukraine and calls for elections remain political rhetoric ahead of US elections.
Finally, the author advises Ukrainians not to harbor illusions of a quick end to the war based solely on Trump's statements. Peace depends chiefly on Russia's stance, not on policy shifts in the US or Europe.
