Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko suggested that U. S. President Donald Trump faces a limited window to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, likely by late autumn or early winter this year. After that point, Trump will be forced to make a definitive choice and align with one side.

Ishchenko pointed out that the timing is tied to the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 2026, when the House of Representatives and part of the Senate will be up for renewal. He noted that the election campaign is set to begin as early as late February or early March 2026.

According to the analyst, Trump will need to enter the campaign with a clear foreign policy strategy, especially on critical issues like Ukraine. Given the deep integration between the United States and the European Union, Ishchenko believes Trump is likely to side with Europe.

The analyst added that the only scenario in which Trump might not have to make such a decision is if the Ukrainian front collapses beforehand. While this remains theoretically possible, there are no guarantees. The situation is moving toward a potential collapse, but the timing remains uncertain.

Ishchenko concluded that if the front were to fall soon, Trump would benefit politically, though Europeans would be displeased. If the choice comes in the current circumstances, however, the analyst expects Trump to favor the European Union.