Trump considers lifting Ukraine restrictions to pressure Russia
Donald Trump is "seriously considering" lifting all restrictions imposed on Ukraine during Joe Biden's presidency, reports the "Kyiv Post". "President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table," claims a White House source.
All previously imposed restrictions, whether they have already been eased or not, are currently under review, says an informant from the "Kyiv Post".
The decision is reportedly motivated by Donald Trump's dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation in the war and the challenges in bringing Russia to the negotiating table.
Final decisions on this matter are expected to be made this week in Washington, where a meeting between representatives of the Trump administration and a delegation from Berlin will take place.
Decision at the meeting in Washington
According to the newspaper's source, the head of German diplomacy, Johann Wadephul, plans to visit the US.
On Monday, Wadephul told the German news programme "Tagesschau" that Putin "doesn’t want peace, he wants to continue the war, and we cannot allow him to do that."
Wadephul also noted that if Berlin makes the final decision to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the public will not be informed about this step. This is intended to ensure that "There will be reaction from the West, and I think also from the United States of America," the minister indicated.
Analyst points to potential targets
The decision to lift restrictions could assist Ukraine in attacking targets deep within Russia, American analyst Jorge Rivero points out in an interview with the "Kyiv Post".
The relaxation of restrictions could allow Kyiv to target military installations within Russian territory, including airbases responsible for launching Geran-2 drones and strategic bombers that have conducted sustained strikes against Ukrainian cities, he said.
This policy change could further empower Ukrainian forces to engage Russian command and control nodes, as well as logistical routes deep in Russia, using precision ammunition, he added.
