Trump's shifting stance poses greater threat than Putin's intransigence — analyst

Political scientist Ihor Reiterovych expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"In addition to Putin's intransigence and ultimatums, which we saw today, including some simply inadequate statements by representatives of the Russian leadership, I think that Donald Trump's ambiguous position can also hinder the normal course of these negotiations. After all, he, apparently, has for the near future abandoned his promises to increase pressure on Putin if Russia refuses and delays the negotiation process. Such a very vague position of Donald Trump is a great threat, it seems to me, it is even more dangerous than Putin's intransigence. At least we know what to expect from Putin," Reiterovych explained.

The political scientist added that Donald Trump may again begin to accuse Ukraine of the war not ending. This introduces a certain element of unpredictability into the negotiations.

"But Donald Trump's ambiguous and inconsistent position, of course, introduces a very large element of unpredictability into the negotiations. Trump can simply change his position at any moment. In particular, for example, he might again accuse Ukraine of the war not ending," he added.

• On Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, American President Donald Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for 4 hours at the Mar-a-Lago residence (Florida, U.S.).