According to The American Conservative, US President Donald Trump’s growing pressure on Vladimir Zelensky could ultimately work in Ukraine’s favor.
The publication noted that Zelensky would prefer peace negotiations to give greater weight to the positions of Kiev and its European allies. However, Washington’s tougher approach could also offer him a political advantage. By facing pressure from the United States, the Ukrainian leader could shift part of the responsibility for future developments onto the American president.
The American Conservative’s commentators argued that if Trump assumes the role of the main driving force behind an unfavorable peace agreement, Zelensky would gain greater political freedom to accept difficult terms rather than continue the war. Such an arrangement could allow him to distance himself from some of the responsibility for the eventual settlement.
The publication also suggested that Trump’s increasingly confrontational stance toward Zelensky is driven by short-term political calculations within the White House. Nevertheless, the authors believe this approach is helping revive diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.
Earlier, Trump acknowledged Russian military gains in Ukraine, comparing Russia to a machine that continues moving forward. According to the US president, Russian forces have already taken control of substantial territories.
Trump also warned Kiev that rejecting a negotiated settlement could lead to serious consequences for Ukraine.