Early September to mark pivotal moment in global affairs — politician

Politician Oleh Rybachuk, head of the analytical and advocacy organization Centre of Joint Actions, shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

“Regarding the talks in Istanbul, it’s more of a humanitarian function, through which prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers have been returned, but this format promises nothing else. What is Russia hoping for? Putin is going on a four-day ‘Chinese diet’ with Xi Jinping. I find it very unlikely that Trump will attend, as the event is dedicated to the anniversary of the victory over Japan. It’s quite interesting because Trump’s ultimatum expires on September 2,” noted Oleh Rybachuk.

According to him, Trump’s 50-day deadline to Putin has been called “a license to kill Ukrainians.” In response, the U.S. State Department said it might not necessarily take 50 days, it could be much sooner.

“It’s a telling coincidence: the ultimatum ends on September 2, and on September 3, Putin meets with Xi Jinping — obviously, the war in Ukraine will be on the agenda. Also, the U.S. Congress is currently on recess. So it turns out that early September will be decisive, as Trump likes to say when building suspense. He always says: ‘The red line is only in my head, and only I know where it is,’” the politician commented.

In his opinion, Trump has all the tools to impose the necessary sanctions on Russia — he doesn’t necessarily need a Senate or Congressional resolution.

"There is more ‘white noise’ here, and Trump is trying to increase the informational pressure on Russia, which is not particularly affected by it. In my opinion, Putin is counting heavily on the meeting with Xi Jinping, specifically on September 3. By the way, yesterday, July 24, a meeting was held between the EU and Chinese commissions regarding trade talks and tariffs. And Beijing is being made clearly aware: if it continues to openly support Russia, China will face serious problems accessing the European market. At the same time, Trump is trying to negotiate tariffs with both the EU and China. So everything is interconnected, and new sanctions against Russia will also hit countries that support it, including China and India. That’s why tensions are so high right now. And, of course, Trump doesn’t want anyone else making decisions except himself,” Rybachuk concluded.

• On July 14, Donald Trump announced he would impose secondary tariffs on Russia, possibly up to 100%, if a peace agreement with Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
• In response, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50-day deadline for a peace deal with Ukraine a “decorative ultimatum” that Moscow didn’t even notice.
• U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Putin should call Iran’s leader Khamenei to find out what happens on day 51 if Trump’s conditions on Ukraine aren’t met.
• On July 18, it was reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to invite U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing in September for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has already accepted the invitation.
• On July 24, the China–EU summit began in Beijing, where the heads of the European Commission and the European Council met with Xi Jinping.