Putin is "fooling" Trump again - what Ukraine should do
Kyiv • UNN
International affairs expert Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi has stated that the Kremlin is attempting to impose its own peace terms for Ukraine on the US. After conversations with Putin, Trump's rhetoric often becomes favorable to Russia.
After the telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, discussions regarding a possible increase in pressure on Ukraine have intensified again. Whether Washington's position is changing under Moscow's influence and what risks this entails was explained in a commentary for UNN by international affairs expert and candidate of political sciences Stanislav Zhelikhovsky.
Contacts between the US and Russia - regularity and risks for Ukraine
The expert emphasizes that the mere fact of communication between the leaders of the US and Russia is not something exceptional. At the same time, the key issue is the consequences of such contacts for Ukraine.
According to him, such conversations may be systemic in nature and will continue as long as Trump remains in power. At the same time, the American president's rhetoric often changes after them - and not in Kyiv's favor.
"We must understand that such communications happen from time to time, and, unfortunately, we cannot influence them. These are two states conducting a dialogue between themselves. But the problem is that after such conversations, Donald Trump's rhetoric often changes—and, as a rule, not in Ukraine's favor. We see statements that are unacceptable to us, particularly regarding the war and its conclusion. Often, he effectively retransmits those narratives that are beneficial to the Kremlin,"
He emphasized that the real content of the negotiations remains unknown, and public information is only a part of what is being discussed.
The Kremlin is trying to impose its rules of the game on the US
In the expert's opinion, Russia is actively using the dialogue with Washington to influence the US position on the war. This concerns not only Ukraine but also a broader geopolitical context, including the Middle East and the Iranian issue.
"There are signs that Russia is trying to increasingly influence the American president and effectively impose its own rules of the game in the context of a peaceful settlement. Putin uses tools that may look like steps forward to Trump - for example, proposals regarding participation in settling the situation around Iran or the nuclear program. This creates an illusion of constructiveness, but in reality, it is an attempt to shift the balance in global politics in Moscow's favor,"
At the same time, according to Zhelikhovsky, the Kremlin can use any "success" in other directions to obtain concessions regarding Ukraine.
The US election factor and Trump's motivation
Separately, the expert draws attention to the internal political context in the US. In particular, this refers to the midterm elections to Congress and Trump's desire to demonstrate results.
"Trump is interested in showing successes - both in foreign policy and in security issues. It is important for him to demonstrate that he is capable of reaching agreements. And here Russia can play on this, creating the appearance of cooperation. But for Ukraine, this is a risk, because such 'agreements' may take place at our expense,"
The visit of Charles III and possible influence on the situation
Commenting on the visit of King Charles III of the United Kingdom to the US, the expert does not rule out that it could have been one of the factors in the intensification of contacts between Moscow and Washington.
According to him, London traditionally holds a clear pro-Ukrainian position, which may cause concern in the Kremlin.
"It cannot be ruled out that this call could have been related to the visit of Charles III. Great Britain consistently supports Ukraine, and Russia sees this as a threat. Accordingly, Moscow may try to neutralize this influence through Washington by strengthening its own communication with Trump,"
At the same time, he noted that such contacts could have been planned in advance.
What Ukraine should do
The expert categorically rejects the idea of "waiting" for a change of power in the US. Instead, Ukraine must work actively in all international directions.
This refers to cooperation with Washington and Europe, as well as expanding presence in other regions of the world.
"We should not wait for a 'better' US president. We do not know who will be next and what their policy will be. Ukraine needs to strengthen work in the American direction, in the European direction, and also expand its presence in the world - in the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. We must offer partnership, develop the economy, and strengthen the state, "
The informational effect of Trump's statements
A separate threat, according to the expert, is posed by Trump's public statements, which can shape a distorted perception of the war among American society.
"Even if his entourage later explains or corrects these words, the effect is already there. An average American may not understand the details, but he hears that Ukraine is 'losing.' And this affects public opinion. And the Kremlin actively uses this - both for internal propaganda and to strengthen its positions,"
In his opinion, it is precisely such informational signals that can have long-term consequences for the support of Ukraine by its partners.
In conclusion, the expert notes that the current situation is part of a broader geopolitical struggle where Russia is trying to use any opportunities to pressure Ukraine - in particular, through influencing the US position.