Several potentially dangerous scenarios for Ukraine exist — diplomat Fried

He expressed this opinion in an interview with Antin Borkovskyi, host of the Studio West program on Espreso TV.

“There are various bad scenarios for Ukraine. The United States could pull its support for Ukraine, as it did before. You remember, after February 28, we suspended military assistance and intelligence cooperation with Ukraine. We could do that again. We could come to a dirty deal, a dirty conversation with the Russians about Ukraine. That is possible.”

He noted that some figures close to the White House have floated the idea that former President Donald Trump—who is again seeking office—wants to show progress in the Ukraine conflict before Easter, which would mark roughly the third month of a potential new administration.

Fried also highlighted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin may be seeking a symbolic victory by May 9, Russia’s Victory Day. At the same time, Trump is wary of appearing weak or losing politically by cutting support for Ukraine, and members of his circle understand the risks.

“So, the bad scenarios for Ukraine are mitigated by Trump’s awareness of some of the political risks if he treats Ukraine badly,” Fried said. “Moreover, the Europeans do seem to be reasonably united in support of Ukraine. The new German government will be; the Poles are; and the French and Germans are doing what they need to do. So, Ukraine is not without friends. It has its friends, it has its supporters—and the Americans may yet come around. I don’t say this with great enthusiasm because my own country should be doing better.”

• On March 30, Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction and anger over the fact that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling such remarks counterproductive.
• On March 31, Trump also emphasized his displeasure with statements made by both Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
• On April 2, U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, stated that Washington aims for a complete ceasefire, noting that “neither side will get everything it wants.”