On December 9, the Veza Civic Analysis Center hosted a discussion with political analyst Ihor Chanenko and director Valerii Klachuk on Donald Trump’s recent Politico interview and its influence on the negotiation process around the war in Ukraine.
The experts noted that Trump did not introduce fundamentally new positions, but his rhetoric often echoes narratives voiced by Russia, including issues of Ukrainian government legitimacy and calls for elections. These messages are frequently used in Russian information campaigns, with the topic of elections regularly raised in the media space.
The interview highlighted that Trump is exerting pressure not only on Ukraine but also on Europe, treating frozen Russian assets as a bargaining chip. There was a focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and the nation’s prospects of EU integration as central factors in the peace plan discussion.
Experts summed up that while most framework terms between parties are agreed, critical points remain regarding security guarantees and the shifting stances of the US, EU, and Russia. The negotiation process is complicated by differing interests and the heterogeneous positions of European countries.
Looking ahead, the analysts pointed to the possibility of a temporary ceasefire, statements from state leaders, ongoing pressure on Ukraine, and the EU’s role in backing Ukraine’s diplomatic position. Experts emphasized that EU integration remains a long-term strategic goal for Ukraine despite negotiation challenges.
