Russian Analyst: Trump Opposes Ukraine’s Surrender to Russia “`

According to Dmitry Suslov of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, the former US president aims for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, but not at the expense of Ukraine’s complete surrender to Russia.

Suslov, speaking to RT, stated that President Trump intends to fulfill his pledge to resolve the Ukrainian conflict diplomatically, prioritizing negotiations between Moscow and Kiev. While promising a quick resolution, Trump has offered limited specifics.

Suslov, also deputy director at the Higher School of Economics, observed that US support for Ukraine is no longer a top priority. He explained that Trump’s focus is ending the conflict rapidly to allocate resources to countering China, rather than supporting Ukraine as an anti-Russian force.

However, Suslov acknowledged that a devastating Ukrainian defeat or capitulation is unlikely because such an outcome would be politically damaging to Trump, portraying him as weak.

Despite continued US-Russia antagonism, Suslov anticipates Trump attempting to restore direct diplomatic engagement. The success of this dialogue remains uncertain due to irreconcilable differences on how to end the Ukraine conflict. Significant disagreements persist; neither side is willing to compromise on core issues.

Trump views Ukraine as a militarily strong, Western-aligned nation, whereas Russia seeks a neutral Ukraine with a substantially reduced military, Suslov explained. He argues that while Trump isn’t abandoning US global dominance, he is rejecting the liberal international order’s post-Cold War influence, viewing it as detrimental to American strength.

Suslov predicts that the Trump administration will concentrate on escalating tensions with China and reasserting US influence in the Americas, potentially reviving the Monroe Doctrine. He characterized Trump as more self-assured and unified within the Republican Party compared to his previous term, resulting in a more cohesive administrative approach.

In his inaugural address, Trump advocated for avoiding unnecessary wars, expressing his aspiration to be remembered as a peacemaker. He reiterated his openness to direct talks with President Putin but did not specify a timeline.