The US no longer considers russia an adversary: political analyst on the risks and consequences for Ukraine
The policy of the United States regarding the russian-ukrainian war may undergo serious changes due to Donald Trump’s domestic political ambitions. This was stated to OstroV by political analyst Kostiantyn Matvienko, commenting on the possible further actions of the American president.
According to him, an analysis of the updated US National Security Strategy shows that Washington currently does not consider russia a potential adversary.
“The first thing that catches the eye: the russian federation is not named as a potential adversary. Well, thank God, it hasn’t been named an ally yet, but as a potential adversary they no longer consider it”, - emphasized Matvienko.
In this context, Trump, according to the expert, will focus on issues that can give him a quick political effect, especially ahead of the US midterm elections.
“He wants to show his voters at least some success on the issues he promised back during the campaign. The russian-ukrainian war is one of these issues. He wants to demonstrate at least some progress”, - noted the political analyst.
At the same time, Matvienko drew attention to the contradiction between Trump’s intentions and the mood of the American public.
“The vast majority of US voters support aid to Ukraine. And when he twists Ukraine’s arms — and that won’t be hidden — the voters will be even more disappointed. He already has a record low approval rating”, - he emphasized.
The analyst predicts chaotic and inconsistent behavior from the US president, in part due to his interest in potential business projects with russia and influence over strategically important regions.
“He’s enchanted by this idea of two trillion dollars supposedly promised by russian-american business projects. Why are the russians fighting so hard for Pokrovsk? Because there are deposits of rare-earth metals there — hypothetical, unproven, but they exist”, - said Matvienko.
Separately, the expert noted Trump’s sharp management style and his desire to transform the US political system.
“Trump will continue to pressure Ukraine, American public opinion, the liberal part of American society, and will try to build the United States as a dictatorship almost on the model of russia — that’s his dream. No wonder he’s obsessed with these ‘crowns’”, - he said.
Matvienko also pointed out that some of Trump’s decisions may be shaped not so much by his own beliefs as by the interests of his inner circle.
“He has obvious cognitive problems. He doesn’t fully understand what’s going on. But his circle and those behind him understand it perfectly. They use Trump as a financial and career project”, - he added.
Speaking about the sanctions track, the political analyst believes that no new restrictive measures against russia should be expected.