Future events depend on Putin’s decisions, not Trump or Musk - British Colonel Grant

Retired British Army Colonel and military expert Glenn Grant expressed this opinion in an interview with Antin Borkovskyi, host of the Studio West program on the Espreso TV channel.

"For drastic changes, active and decisive actions from America are needed. At present, we lack a clear understanding of Trump's course or the direction he will take. However, listening to his new special representative on Russia and Ukraine, General Kellogg, it becomes clear that he is a man with extensive combat experience. Additionally, as a deeply religious Christian, Kellogg will undoubtedly strive to end the war, guided by his moral beliefs. At the same time, as an experienced professional and general, he is unlikely to agree to abandon Ukraine to its fate," Grant noted.

If Putin does not take action—whether to retreat, negotiate, or seek compromise—Kellogg is likely to advise Trump to strengthen U.S. support for Ukraine. However, further developments depend not on Trump or Musk, but solely on the decisions made by Putin, Grant believes.

"Putin's decisions will determine the future of international relations. If he chooses to continue the war and escalate aggression, this will inevitably increase pressure on countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and other supporters. Public demand for accountability will force these states to reassess their positions, especially if Putin is offered a chance for negotiations and decides to ignore the opportunity for peace," he said.

Zelenskyy is unlikely to agree to concessions on territories without clear prospects for NATO membership. It will be extremely difficult for Trump to pressure Zelenskyy without providing significant guarantees. Moreover, Ukrainian society is not ready to accept the loss of part of the country. Thus, starting Monday, undoubtedly, we will face difficult but extraordinarily interesting times, the colonel believes.

Stabilizing the situation in Ukraine is impossible until Russia stops—completely stops. It is unlikely that foreign troops can stabilize the situation in Ukraine. It all boils down to one thing—it all depends on Putin, Grant says.

"Either Russia stops, or foreign troops will not be deployed. It is unlikely that Britain or France will send their troops. If Russia does not withdraw its forces but merely, so to speak, establishes a new border, then perhaps someone will agree to guard this border. But no one will agree to guard it if it involves active combat. We can make as many speeches and bold statements as we want, but it will mean nothing if Putin does not intend to stop. And this is truly a big problem. We can talk about a possible line of demarcation, but personally, I don't see it because Putin believes he is winning. As long as he is convinced of his victory, he will continue moving forward and will not stop at anything," he summarized.

• Earlier, Trump, set to take office on January 20, stated that preparations for his meeting with Putin are already underway. "We must end this war," added the elected U.S. president.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin would try to appease Donald Trump, repeating the exact same military-political maneuver he attempted in 2019.
• On January 13, the press secretary of Russian dictator Dmitry Peskov stated that there is "no substantive preparation" for a meeting between Putin and Trump, commenting on offers from Serbia and Switzerland to host the meeting.