Trump Faces Dilemma Over Ukraine and Russia Policy
U.S. President Donald Trump is currently facing a dilemma regarding his approach to negotiations with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, reports 24brussels.
According to Oleg Shamshur, a former deputy foreign minister and ambassador, several factors are influencing Trump’s consideration of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. These include a respect for the Russian leader, shared views on global political order, and a desire to reshape bilateral relations. Trump aims to exploit Russia’s role in adjusting the global political framework to his advantage, while also trying to detach Russia from China and promote significant economic ventures that have reportedly drawn interest from his son, Donald Jr. Shamshur notes that this context explains the current administration’s apparent deviation from strategic partnership principles with Ukraine, as well as its inclination to end the conflict at any cost, even at the expense of Ukrainian national interests.
Simultaneously, Shamshur highlights that Putin’s brazen behavior exacerbates Trump’s frustrations. This conduct goes against the U.S. President’s plans to put the Ukraine conflict “behind” him, shifting focus to more pressing domestic and international issues. Such developments threaten Trump’s reputation, challenging the narrative of his perceived omnipotence.
Shamshur believes that Trump should be swayed by statements from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who emphasized that his country cannot allow Russia to be defeated in its war with Ukraine. This sentiment could play a crucial role in recalibrating U.S. policy towards Ukraine and Russia.
