On January 8, Valerii Klachuk, head of the Veza Civic Analytics Center, hosted an interview with political analyst and politician Vadym Denysenko, director of the Dylova Stolitsa Analytical Center. The discussion centered on new trends in US foreign policy following high-profile moves by Donald Trump’s administration and America’s role in negotiations toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war and broader geopolitical processes.
Denysenko noted that after the arrest of figures from Maduro’s regime in Venezuela and the seizure of tankers carrying Russian oil, the Trump administration is experiencing a period of heightened “momentum” on the global stage. According to the expert, this enables the US to exert extra pressure at critical points, maximizing its interests in matters such as negotiations with the EU over a greater military presence in Greenland or control of strategic logistical routes.
However, Denysenko emphasized that, despite the US’s active diplomacy and efforts for swift outcomes, Europe remains critically dependent on the American security factor and lacks the resources to quickly build its own effective military. This shapes the nature of security guarantee discussions and is reflected in the ongoing Ukraine negotiation process.
The conversation highlighted that Trump aims to approach a new round of talks with China and Russia from a stronger position, strengthening US control over oil-rich countries and key maritime routes. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the US seeks to finalize a comprehensive agreement to present to Russia as an ultimatum.
According to Denysenko, Putin’s delaying tactics are currently slowing negotiations, despite growing US pressure. Nonetheless, the key political points between Ukraine and the US are likely already agreed, and the sides are working to resolve territorial issues. Europe, in parallel, is preparing its own security guarantee plan.
The interview concludes that the contours of America’s new geopolitical moves will shape diplomatic processes around Ukraine and affect the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area.
