Pressure on Russia to end war still U.S. priority amid 'trade war' — Ukrainian MP

Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and former head of the Ukrainian Security Service, expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

“Putin’s delay in ending the full-scale war in Ukraine is the main irritant and cause of dissatisfaction for both U.S. President Trump and his team, which leads the intelligence, defense, and government agencies. Even during the ‘trade war’ initiated by the Trump administration, the issue of Russia, pressure on it, and limiting its capacity to continue the war remains one of the top priorities on the U.S. agenda,” he noted.

Trump has announced a record defense budget of 1 trillion dollars. Nalyvaichenko believes that the U.S. may also provide Ukraine with additional assistance. Ukraine must continue working to support the Armed Forces and fight for increased aid, as it is in the country’s interest.

“In the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, there is a ‘friendship’ group with Ukraine. Among its members are senators, congressmen, and congresswomen like Brian Fitzpatrick and others who support Ukraine and with whom we work directly. Their number is constantly growing, which gives hope for continued assistance. It is through them that we must initiate additional resolutions, amendments, and add-ons to the future U.S. budget, especially the defense budget, to ensure continued support for Ukraine, primarily for the Armed Forces,” the MP added.

The United States has global interests. However, within this global scope, Ukraine occupies an important place. That’s why it is essential to convince American partners of the importance of voting for an increased budget for Ukraine, he said.

“The previous defense assistance package of 60 billion dollars is already running out, and deliveries are nearing completion. Therefore, it is necessary to fight for new funding,” Nalyvaichenko added.

• On April 8, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration would approve a record defense budget reaching one trillion dollars.