In a new interview, experts examine in detail Donald Trump's role in the Ukraine war, his public statements, and his actions on the international stage. The Ukrainian public discourse often portrays Trump as an ally of Putin, unwilling to provide real aid to Ukraine. However, recent U.S. political moves, such as the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, demonstrate a more complex approach to pressuring Russia.
Trump is reluctant to provide free military or financial aid to Ukraine, preferring to act through diplomacy and economic pressure. His strategy includes efforts to distance Russia from China and initiate negotiations to freeze the conflict in Ukraine. Washington is offering air links, lifting sanctions, and other incentives to Russia in exchange for ending its aggression, which has provoked discontent in the Kremlin.
Trump's high-profile sanctions rhetoric is accompanied by mixed results: not all restrictions on Russian companies are enforced, but overall U.S. sanctions pressure increases much faster than Europe's. Special attention is paid to complex negotiations among the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, and European countries on security guarantees and a potential peace agreement. American representatives are playing an active mediating role in resolving contentious issues such as Ukrainian territory and armed forces.
In addition to direct involvement in negotiations, Trump has pushed for economic measures against Russia: seizing Russian tankers, pressuring Venezuela to break off relations with Moscow and Beijing, and supporting Taiwan. The main strategic goal of the U.S. remains to contain China's global influence, even if this does not fully align with Ukraine's aim of ending the war.
Due to U.S. mediation, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, though rarely public, remain active. Even as Russian authorities declare willingness for peace, practical ceasefire remains elusive. The situation is complicated by passive stances from some European partners and differing approaches to sanctions and military aid.
According to experts, Trump's strategy involves a complex approach: economic pressure, diplomacy, unique foreign policy actions, and mediation in international talks. He is increasing sanctions pressure on Russia while trying to maintain U.S. global leadership, keeping America's main focus on countering China.
