Putin must receive clear signal he cannot win — U.S. diplomat

American diplomat William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, expressed this opinion during an interview with Studio West program host Antin Borkovskyi on Espreso TV.

“Putin must receive a clear warning signal to realize that he cannot achieve victory. This requires strong economic pressure. Senator Lindsey Graham’s sanctions initiative should be implemented immediately. This bill is an effective mechanism to reduce the revenues that allow Putin to continue the war. If these funds decrease, it will be much harder for him to maintain his military capabilities. But sanctions alone are not enough; Ukraine needs weapons both for defense and to send a clear message to Moscow. This must prove that the U.S. and European allies are serious in their intentions and ready to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” the diplomat emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine must be able to stop the Russian offensive and push back Russian forces. It is important to show Putin that he cannot win. European countries have strengthened their defense capabilities and are actively developing their defense-industrial base, taking concrete steps that demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine’s victory.

“Ukrainians will not stop fighting because for them it is a matter of survival. If Ukraine stops resisting, it will cease to exist. This is well understood by both Ukrainians and Europeans. They recognize that containing Russia is crucial, as Russian aggression will not be limited to Ukraine. Next in line are NATO countries. That is why supporting Ukraine is a shared responsibility for both Europe and the United States. This understanding is clearly reflected in Washington: 81 out of 100 senators have already supported a bill in favor of Ukraine. Polls also show that the American public supports Ukraine and condemns Russia’s actions. The same clear and consistent determination must be shown by all — Ukrainians, Europeans, and Americans. Putin must understand that there will be no victory. The only way to stop this war is to come to the negotiating table,” Taylor concluded.

• Ursula von der Leyen announced in mid-May that the European Union is working on a new, 18th package of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
• On May 20, the European Union approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia.
• On June 3, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin to discuss EU-U.S. coordination on sanctions over Russia’s war on Ukraine.