How populism is undermining Ukraine: Trump’s strategy and Zelensky’s challenge
The war in Ukraine has been reduced to a dangerously oversimplified narrative, framed in the familiar terms of black-and-white absolutes. Our discourse is now saturated with preaching, condemnation, and rigid ideological purity.
On one side, experts and policymakers argue for sustained, massive military aid to Ukraine, insisting that only the total defeat of Russia will secure victory.
On the other, voices contend that halting the war is the only way to preserve Ukraine’s future. Both camps claim to champion Ukraine’s cause.
Donald Trump’s approach has been shattering the established status quo. In the three years since the conflict began, discussions of a ceasefire—or even lasting peace—have never been as prominent as they are now, driven by the new American president’s advocacy for a resolution.
Dread over the unravelling status quo and a profound uncertainty about the future have sparked panic and accusations of Trump’s alleged pro-Russian leanings.
Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks that "initial contacts with the new American administration inspire cautious optimism" further fuel these perceptions.
This article is free at the Tomorrow’s Affairs: https://tomorrowsaffairs.com/how-populism-is-undermining-ukraine-trumps-strategy-and-zelenskys-challenge
Best regards and stay safe,
Iuliia
https://substack.com/@russiaanalyzed/note/c-100289299?r=pai4o
President Zelensky:
I received a report from our delegation on their meeting with the American team in Saudi Arabia. The discussion lasted most of the day and was good and constructive—our teams were able to discuss many important details.
Our position remains absolutely clear: Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war, and we want to do everything to achieve it as soon as possible and in a reliable way—so that war does not return.
At this meeting with the Americans, Ukraine proposed three key points:
silence in the skies—stopping missile strikes, bombs, and long-range drone attacks; silence at sea; real confidence-building measures in this whole situation, in which diplomacy is ongoing, which primarily means the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly transferred to Russia.
The American side understands our arguments and considers our proposals. I am grateful to President Trump for the constructive conversation between our teams.
During today’s talks, the U.S. side proposed taking an even bigger first step—a 30-day full interim ceasefire, not only stopping missile, drone, and bomb attacks, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.
Ukraine is ready to accept this proposal—we see it as a positive step and are ready to take it. Now, it is up to the United States to convince Russia to do the same. If Russia agrees, the ceasefire will take effect immediately.
A true world's leader.