Maria Tsiptsiura, Onet: How do you measure the effectiveness of Trump and Zelenski meetings? Does this tell us about warming relations between Ukraine and the US? And can it turn into support in the future?
Volodymyr Fesenko: We should not treat each gathering as a circumstantial political decision. In the case of European leaders, there is simply a ritual that, after each meeting, joint projects should be announced — a tradition that confirms the partnership. Trump is different. It was crucial for Zelenski to pass on the circumstantial needs of Ukraine to the American President. And he did it. We're talking air defence systems. Trump suggested that this issue be considered now. It will be a purchase, not free help. That matches Trump. And this is crucial to Ukraine. But this fundamentally means that Zelensk managed to convince Trump of the key issue.
What?
On transportation of weapons to Ukraine. This is important, firstly, to support us in a hard situation. Secondly, it is simply a signal to Russia that the US will deliver Ukraine's weapons if Russia escalates its attacks. It's a way to influence Putin. Furthermore, crucially, Trump did not make any promises about the ceasefire this time. He said the issue was not discussed. I think the situation in the negotiations has been discussed. And Trump clearly already understands that rapidly reaching an agreement will not be possible. This is contrary to his conventional style. He surely no longer speaks of “24 hours”. He understands that this will not be quick, and the situation is very complicated. Trump realizes that. It's his reticent and realistic assessment. He's not promising a ceasefire, he's just suggesting he effort to talk to Putin.
Can Trump scope the point where Putin will be pressured by sanctions?
I don't think that's gonna happen yet. Americans have no solution to end Russia's war with Ukraine. They're in the store. But the fact that Zelensk has managed to pass our position, our assessment of the situation at the front and in the negotiations, is already positive. And judging by Trump’s statements, he accepted the conversation well. This is besides crucial for communication with the American President.
Expert on summit results. “More crucial than gathering Zelenski with Trump”
What about the results of the summit in general?
They are even more crucial in a strategical sense than gathering Zelenski with Trump. The decision to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 is very important, even at specified a time. What is besides crucial is what has been noted: this is simply a consequence to safety threats from Russia. This means that Russia has been identified as a strategical opponent of NATO. Previously, any negative references to Russia were blocked by the United States. It's not like that now. Overall, the clause on support for Ukraine and the fact that military aid to Ukraine will be included in NATO's defence spending is fundamentally a designation that Ukraine is part of NATO's defence policy and that support to Ukraine is considered to be an interest of the Alliance's security. In fact, we became part of the Alliance. Not de jure, but we are
That's how they see it. And this is an crucial step. The fact that this was recorded in a joint paper that was not blocked by the Americans is simply a very affirmative moment.
Can we talk about changing Trump's attitude towards Putin and his desire to reset American-Russian relations?
Nope. Let's not think wishfully. Trump's attitude changes all day. He will again talk to Putin and call him a “good man” to be negotiated with. There will be no fundamental change in the U.S. approach to Russia. They'll proceed negotiations. Trump won't refuse to communicate with Putin. But it is crucial that the US becomes more active in the negotiation process. The problem is, they don't know how or what to do. They have no unity in the squad on this issue.
“Good thing Trump doesn’t leave the problem”
There was besides a Trump message in which he said that “something must be done” with Ukraine. How affirmative are specified statements?
The explanation of what Trump said is simply a separate species. Moreover, I'm not certain he'll be able to explain what he meant tomorrow. But it's a good thing he understands there's a problem. And it is good that Trump does not abandon him and leaves Europe, but believes that this problem needs to be resolved together. But he doesn't know how to solve it. present it only shows that Americans do not abandon their commitment, but unfortunately they do not know how to solve this situation.
To what degree does the situation in the mediate East affect Trump and his interest in the Ukrainian issue?
If the situation in the mediate East is resolved rapidly and there is simply a lasting truce, Trump will have a tendency to make peace. He said he solved 4 conflicts. We don't know which conflicts. But it's not important, it's crucial that we usage his impulses. Secondly, the war between Iran and Israel ended with a truce. It is crucial for Ukraine to emphasise that this is the way to end the war with Russia. And it'll be very good if Trump understands it and goes that way.
