The Economist reports that the likelihood of Donald Trump making concessions regarding Ukraine is low, as doing so would associate him with a loss in the war. Additionally, internal dynamics within the Republican Party influence Trump’s position. Nevertheless, it is possible that, ahead of his inauguration in January, Trump will attempt to prepare a new peace proposal with Russia.
Trump has consistently been cautious in his statements about Ukraine. He has made it clear that he will not push Kyiv to make concessions to Vladimir Putin unless the US gains something in return. This is supported by information from Bloomberg, which, citing its sources, states that Trump has already begun communicating with European leaders, discussing various scenarios for the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin’s stance and Putin’s potential plans
Amid these discussions, Russia has shown its vision for potential negotiations: Moscow is ready to discuss peace, but only if it gains control over the Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kherson. This demand is unacceptable to Ukraine, as it violates international law and flagrantly disregards the country’s territorial integrity.
As The Economist notes, the situation on the front lines remains uncertain, which creates additional risks for both sides. Putin is preparing for a new phase of pressure on Ukraine through attacks on its energy infrastructure, hoping to use the winter months as leverage against Ukrainian leadership and civilians. Meanwhile, analysts predict that the next three months will be critical in determining the course of the war.
Trump-Zelensky phone call: a new diplomatic format?
A key development in Ukrainian diplomacy came with a personal phone call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the German publication Bild, during a 25-minute conversation, Trump assured Zelensky, “I promise you’ll be happy with me,” which is likely a positive sign for Kyiv regarding continued US support.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga emphasized that the speed of the phone call immediately after Trump’s election victory indicates that contact between the leaders already exists. He stated that preparations are underway for a meeting, which could be a crucial step in strengthening Ukrainian-American relations amid the ongoing Russian war.
Conclusion
Given the described situation, Trump’s stance on Ukraine will be decisive for the future of Ukrainian-American relations. Despite various predictions and the complex circumstances, Ukraine must continue its diplomatic efforts to bolster support from the US and Europe.
For a more detailed understanding of the situation regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, read the article “Ukraine considers restoring its nuclear arsenal in response to Russian aggression” at the link.