Ukraine is pinning its hopes on the newly elected US president Donald Trump being able to end the war with Russia, but Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to halt the conflict. This opinion was expressed in a comment by former US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker to POLITICO.
"The year 2024 felt like a year of waiting. We had elections, we were distracted, the Biden administration said 'no' at times and 'yes' at others... 2025 looks like a year of action. We are finally moving forward," Volker stated.
He emphasized that the coming weeks will be crucial for both Kyiv and Moscow.
"I believe Trump will call Putin and tell him to end the war. I think Putin will refuse... and I believe Trump's team will realize that they need to demonstrate strength. Show more determination. And lay everything on the table," Volker said.
According to him, this could mean tightening sanctions, significantly increasing the export of American energy resources to cut Putin's military budget, and continuing military support for Ukraine.
"There are various ways to do this, other than taxpayer money, including the Lend-Lease program, particularly by seizing European Russian assets worth 300 billion euros and using that money to purchase American defense equipment," Volker noted.
He added that this would send a signal to Putin that "things won't get better."
Trump and the War in Ukraine
Previously, Donald Trump stated that he would likely impose sanctions against Russia if Putin does not come to the negotiating table regarding Ukraine.
At the same time, advisor to the head of the president's office Mikhail Podolyak remarked that when Trump speaks with Putin, he will understand that negotiating with Russia under Putin is pointless and that support for Ukraine simply needs to be strengthened.