“He thinks Ukraine is a weak link and that it needs to be squeezed into giving in”: diplomat on why Trump pressures Kyiv, not Moscow

Ukrainian diplomat Oleksandr Khara claims that President Donald Trump is using economic pressure to target Ukraine instead of Russia, despite the latter being the aggressor in the ongoing war. Khara argues that this is because Ukraine relies heavily on American military aid and intelligence, which gives Trump the opportunity to squeeze Kyiv while leaving Russia relatively unscathed.

Trump's goal, according to Khara, is to end the war at any cost, even if it means restoring relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The diplomat notes that this tactic is not new for Trump, as he has previously blocked or suspended aid to Ukraine. Khara believes that Trump is looking for a visible success in ending the war, particularly in the context of domestic US politics.

While Russia has economic options for pressure, the US administration is gradually loosening sanctions against Moscow. Ukraine's dependence on US support has decreased due to European partners providing weapons, giving Kyiv more room to continue fighting. However, an energy ceasefire is the only possible trade, which would only be acceptable if Russia stops attacking Ukraine's power infrastructure and Black Sea ports.

Until such a deal is reached, Ukraine must continue to intensify its pressure on Russia's energy resources to force the Kremlin to reconsider its actions.