Olesya Yakhno: Trump Seeks Quick Solutions
- 5.02.2025, 16:24
Long-term stability in Europe will depend on some factors.
Does US President Donald Trump have an understanding of what to do with Putin's Russia after the war is over? The Charter97.org website talked about this with Ukrainian journalist Olesya Yakhno:
— Trump often resorts to radical approaches in solving both domestic and foreign policy issues. For example, the closure of USAID programs caused a wide resonance. In foreign policy, the US president is focused on the conflict in the Middle East and the situation around Ukraine, as well as on potential areas of tension, such as Greenland, the Asia-Pacific region, North Korea and China. Trump's actions are often criticized, but in protracted conflicts, drastic measures may be necessary.
In the Middle East, Trump is actively promoting certain initiatives, considering stability in the region to be key to US interests. His position on Israel and the Middle East is quite consistent, although it is controversial. He proposes real steps that stimulate the discussion of further actions in the region, and not only the humanitarian plan.
In the case of Ukraine, there is a slightly different attitude. Trump believes that Europe should play a more active role, since Russia's war against Ukraine is much closer to it than to the United States. The American president emphasizes the cessation of the war and economic pressure on Russia to force it to abandon further military actions. However, there is still no long-term vision of security in the region, and its formation will largely depend on Europe.
Trump positions himself as a strong leader who is not afraid to communicate even with authoritarian regimes such as Putin, Xi Jinping or Kim Jong-un. His goal is to stop wars and offer concrete solutions, although the success of these initiatives depends on many factors, including the willingness of the parties to compromise.
— The President of Ukraine constantly reminds about guarantees. Does Trump have any vision of Ukraine after this war? After all, we understand that without real guarantees, the war will resume.
— Security guarantees in the case of Ukraine is a key issue. If NATO membership is not possible, the alternative may be to strengthen defence cooperation with individual Allies. However, without a long-term vision and clear commitments from the West, the risk of renewed conflict remains high. Trump is likely to now focus more on short-term goals, such as a truce, leaving long-term security issues to Europe.
Europe is reviewing its defense strategy, partly under the influence of Trump's actions. His pressure on NATO allies to increase their defense spending and the possible imposition of tariffs against the EU are forcing Europe to become more self-sufficient in security matters. A new strategy for Russia, which is likely to be presented in the summer at the upcoming NATO summit, is still under development. This indicates that the long-term vision of security in the region is still being formed.
Trump seeks quick solutions, but long-term stability in Eastern Europe will depend on coordinated actions by Europe and the United States, as well as on the willingness of Ukraine and Russia to compromise.