From no cards to many: Europe warns Trump not to waste Ukraine’s leverage

Ukraine's leverage against Russia has significantly increased in just two years, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine. In contrast to the perception of "no cards" presented by former President Donald Trump in 2021, Ukraine now has substantial tools at its disposal to pressure Kyiv not to ease up on Russia. This development was highlighted at the Warsaw Security Conference, where Sybiha noted that Ukraine's actions, such as attacking Russian refineries, are crippling Russia's war efforts and hindering its financial resources.

However, European leaders express concerns that Trump's pressure on Kyiv to halt refinery attacks could weaken Ukraine's position without achieving Russia's disengagement from the conflict. The U.S. president recently suggested that Putin is more inclined to seek peace than Zelenskyy, yet Russia has refused to negotiate a comprehensive energy ceasefire.

European leaders urge Trump to strengthen sanctions on Russia rather than relaxing the regime in hopes of inducing Ukraine to capitulate.