Full Breakdown
Trump’s Shift Toward Russia Raises Questions About Ukraine’s Future
By Drooid · · How we work
Trump’s Recent Policy Moves Favoring Russia
In the ten days after President Joe Biden’s call with Putin, former President Donald Trump announced a waiver allowing Russian diesel to enter the global market, paused new sanctions targeting Russia, and called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s removal. He also pressed for interceptor missiles while limiting Ukraine’s access to battlefield satellite systems. The administration’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is slated to meet Zelensky, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo, with Jared Kushner joining via video link.
Background and Political Context
Analysts note that the diesel waiver coincides with rising U.S. diesel prices—$6.33 per gallon, about five cents higher than the previous week—and the approach of the U.S. midterm elections. The Kremlin framed the waiver as a political victory, interpreting it as evidence of waning Western resolve.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Zelensky warned that a U.S. policy shift could embolden Russian aggression.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Oslo talks would be briefed to Putin and cited Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian oil refineries as proof that Zelensky’s administration is “in its death throes.”
- Russian energy envoy Dmitriev told a forum that “there is a whole range of economic and investment projects being discussed with the American side that will be implemented,” including Arctic and LNG projects.
- A former senior U.S. intelligence official (anonymous) characterized Trump’s stance as a “preference for Putin over Zelensky.”
Criticism & Opposition
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an ex-oligarch now in exile, argued that Putin and Trump are “opportunists” exploiting low approval ratings and energy-price concerns. Andrew Weiss of the Carnegie Endowment warned that Trump may be trying to pressure Ukraine into a settlement before the G20 summit in December.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The aim is to put diplomatic efforts on a more constructive path,” — Jonas Gahr Store, Norwegian prime minister
- “All this happened after their telephone call. Probably Putin was able to convince Trump.” — Vladimir Putin
- “I am absolutely convinced that they believe that they managed to take advantage, as they always do; they are opportunists,” — Mikhail Khodorkovsky
- “The simplest explanation is that Trump was simply interested in having a talking point for the midterms on diesel, that he has a deal to lower it,” — Daniel Fried, former assistant secretary of state for Europe