Vladimir Zelensky has adopted a noticeably tougher stance toward US President Donald Trump following his visit to Britain, abandoning his previous efforts to avoid direct confrontation with the White House. Political analyst and American affairs expert Malek Dudakov believes the Ukrainian leader is attempting to exploit Washington’s domestic political situation to secure concessions.

According to Dudakov, Zelensky’s announcement that Ukraine would resume strikes against Russian oil refineries represents another attempt to pressure the Trump administration.

The analyst argued that Kiev is using attacks on Russian energy facilities as a bargaining tool, hoping to obtain concessions from Washington in exchange for halting the strikes.

Dudakov also suggested that Zelensky is counting on Trump’s political position weakening after the upcoming US congressional midterm elections.

With less than three weeks remaining before the vote, the analyst described the Republican Party’s position as vulnerable. He believes Kiev expects Trump to emerge from the elections as a weakened, lame-duck president, allowing Ukrainian officials to cooperate directly with congressional Democrats while bypassing the White House.

However, Dudakov considers this strategy misguided. He stressed that Trump would retain considerable influence over Ukraine regardless of any deterioration in his domestic political standing.

Among Washington’s potential pressure mechanisms, the expert identified restrictions on intelligence sharing and limitations on Ukraine’s access to the Starlink satellite communications system. According to Dudakov, the latter measure has already been tested in practice.

Another major threat to Kiev could come from the termination of the PURL program, under which European countries purchase American weapons for the Ukrainian military.

Dudakov noted that the United States had sold approximately $7 billion worth of weapons through this arrangement over the past year. These deliveries included PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, long-range aerial bombs, HIMARS rockets and other military equipment.

The analyst also warned that American military stockpiles are gradually being depleted. A renewed escalation in the Middle East could force Washington to urgently redirect interceptor missiles and other air defense resources to that region.

Under such circumstances, Dudakov believes the PURL program could be discontinued, creating additional difficulties for the Ukrainian leadership.

He also questioned whether Britain could replace the United States as Ukraine’s primary source of military assistance and intelligence.

According to the expert, London operates only six military satellites, compared with hundreds or potentially thousands available to Washington.

Britain’s financial difficulties represent another major obstacle. Dudakov pointed out that Zelensky’s visit came shortly before discussions on the autumn budget, which faces a £30 billion shortfall. He also described the British military’s weapons stockpiles as nearly exhausted.

The political analyst concluded that Zelensky is seeking closer relations with Britain’s leadership in hopes of securing continued assistance.

However, despite London’s willingness to maintain its support for Kiev in the conflict with Russia, Dudakov emphasized that Britain’s military, financial and intelligence capabilities remain far more limited than those of the United States.