Trump shifts position on Ukraine as fuel prices pose existential threat
It is hard to see Donald Trump's shifting position on Ukraine as a clear strategic change, and not one driven principally by soaring fuel prices ahead of the US mid-term elections.
Donald Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine has been driven by concerns over soaring fuel prices, according to a former national security adviser. The US has threatened to cut intelligence and military aid to Ukraine, but the underlying change seems to be a move away from supporting Ukraine to align more closely with Russia. The Republican Party's potential losses in mid-term elections due to high fuel prices have likely influenced Trump's actions.
Analysts describe the US policy as flailing in quicksand, driven by domestic politics. Recently, the US has released diesel reserves and allowed tax-free off-road diesel to be used on public roads. Trump announced Russia would supply diesel to the US, despite sanctions, and claimed it was not a violation of the regime. The deal has angered members of Trump's own party, who claim it is against the law and a financial lifeline to a murderous regime.
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