America Is Getting Back In The Game

• Petro Oleshchuk
• 15.07.2025, 15:53

Why Trump's speech changes the logic of the war in Ukraine.

When the tone in Washington changes, the whole world feels it. But this time the echo is particularly loud: Donald Trump made a series of statements that essentially rewrite the political map of the war in Ukraine. After months of silence and ambiguity, the US president voiced a position that came as an unpleasant surprise to the Kremlin and an important psychological impetus for Kiev.

The change in tone in Trump's rhetoric is not just a political shift. Whereas his statements previously oscillated between isolationism and pragmatism, there is now a shift toward strategic realism: Moscow is no longer seen as a potential partner, and Ukraine is no longer seen as a liability. On the contrary, Russia is labeled a loser, and Trump explicitly states: "It's a defeat. He (Putin) is losing."

For a politician who not long ago called Putin a "strong leader," this is a dramatic shift in position. It is no longer about balance: there is an aggressor, and there is a country that is defending itself.

One of the key signals was a change in the mechanism of aid to Ukraine. Arms deliveries will now be made through NATO, and the financial burden will be borne by European countries. This is an important message both for voters in the United States - "we are helping, but at the expense of others" - and for Ukraine - "support remains, just the structure is changing."

The "Europe pays" formula is both a domestic political strategy and a foreign policy calculation. Ukraine is not left alone with the aggressor, but now European capitals must become more actively involved in the process.

The announcement of the transfer of Patriot batteries to Ukraine is not just a step in the military sphere. It is a political signal. The systems, long considered "too sensitive" to be exported to the conflict zone, are now officially part of Ukraine's arsenal. Their rapid deployment means that the West is ready not just to support Ukraine, but to seriously change the rules of the game in the air.

The expected and most controversial element of Trump's speech was the ultimatum: 50 days to end the war or at least demonstrate willingness to negotiate. Otherwise - a return to secondary sanctions.

This means that not only Russian companies, but also those who buy resources from them may fall under sanctions. It is still not entirely clear how this can be put into practice, so it is this part of Trump's strategy that raises the most questions. As well as the fact that Russia is given a "delay" of 50 days.

But despite everything, what is happening can still be called a "breakthrough". Many thought that Trump and Ukraine were incompatible. But now it's clear: Ukraine is becoming an important element of his foreign policy strategy. Perhaps not for moral reasons, but for purely pragmatic ones. But the main thing is that the United States is back in the game.

Kremlin is challenged: there is a clear deadline, a new configuration of assistance to Kiev, and the West's readiness to move from words to action.

Peter Oleshchuk, especially for Charter97.org.