Trump avoids peace role as tensions rise in Ukraine conflict

Volodymyr Horbach, head of the Kyiv Institute of Northern Eurasia Transformation, highlighted in a conversation with PAP that U.S. President Donald Trump is evidently avoiding responsibility for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

According to Horbach, Trump "washes his hands" of this responsibility and transfers it onto both countries, and should his actions fail, the initiative ought to be taken over by Europe.

Horbach observed that Trump is emotionally influenced by Vladimir Putin, which affects his political decisions. The expert asserts that Trump is not a leader in relations with Putin but rather follows his lead, which may impact his actions in international politics.

The political scientist pointed out three key setbacks for Trump in the negotiation process. The first is the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted but Russia rejected. Another is the 22-point peace plan, which was also dismissed by the Russians. The final failure is the lack of progress after a phone conversation with Putin.

Horbach believes that both Trump and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance are pressuring Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union with the potential of the USA withdrawing from the negotiation process. This introduces uncertainty about future support for Ukraine and may lead to new negotiations with Russia regarding trade and economic cooperation.

According to Horbach, the USA will not lift the current sanctions imposed on Russia but also will not introduce new ones to avoid a trade conflict with China and India, which are major importers of Russian fossil fuels. The expert emphasises that such confrontation does not serve the interests of the USA.