Whose Side Is Trump On?
- 22.10.2026, 13:32
It is doubtful that making concessions to Putin will yield the desired result for the U.S. president.
The deterioration in relations between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents could play into Russia’s hands; however, the main goal of U.S. President Donald Trump is to reduce Washington’s war spending and reap economic benefits from an agreement with Moscow. The White House is seeking territorial concessions from Kyiv, discussing the easing of sanctions against Russia, and the possible use of frozen Russian assets as part of a peace deal, writes The Economy.
Relations have soured after Trump announced an agreement with Putin on the supply of Russian diesel fuel and a temporary easing of related sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposed this decision, stating that authorizing the sale of fuel amounts to “investing in a war that must be stopped.”
In response, Trump criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and stated that it is time for Ukraine to change its president. In Moscow, the public spat was met with approval.
At the same time, Washington is seeking not so much to support one side as to secure terms favorable to itself. The U.S. wants its European allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine on their own and bear the financial burden of supporting Kyiv.
For Ukraine, the struggle is not only for territory but also to prevent a new Russian invasion. Zelenskyy warns that a retreat from Donbas would allow Russian troops to seize key defensive positions.
At the same time, the financial burden on Kyiv is enormous. Ukraine estimates its military spending for next year at 155 billion euros and is asking the European Union for at least 70 billion euros in additional aid. European leaders have instructed the European Commission to present funding options by the end of November.
Washington, meanwhile, is considering easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports and the possible use of frozen Russian assets in a peace agreement. For Trump, this is a way to lower fuel prices and U.S. spending. But Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure are complicating the implementation of energy agreements with the Kremlin.