Trump won't save – political strategist voices harsh scenario for the Kremlin

Political strategist Taras Zahorodnii stated that under the Trump administration, Russia is losing the ability to use the US to restrain Ukrainian strikes on its territory. He believes Moscow will face a different reaction from Washington, and Ukraine, having increased its defense production, has become more independent in decision-making.

Political strategist Taras Zahorodnii suggested that Russia is losing an important lever of pressure on Ukraine — the ability to appeal to Washington with requests to limit strikes on Russian military facilities. According to him, under the Trump administration, Moscow risks facing a completely different reaction from American officials. The expert speculated that if Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov appeals to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with a request to influence Kyiv, the latter would simply laugh. Zahorodnii attributes the change in the situation to the strengthening of Ukrainian capabilities in long-range weapons and the growth of its own defense production. He believes that even Trump will not necessarily demand that Kyiv abandon strikes, as Ukraine has gained additional leverage. The expert considers the most dangerous direction for Moscow to be possible increased pressure on Europe — through cyberattacks, sabotage, and information operations, to demonstrate NATO's weakness and exacerbate divisions in the EU. He noted that the likelihood of attacks on Europe is growing, especially on Germany and France.