Trump’s attack on Zelenskyy: what’s happening and what’s next?

1. Trump’s goal

To force the conclusion of an agreement on his terms and under his personal guarantees for the duration of his four-year term.

2. Target audience

Trump’s policy is aimed at supporters of isolationism, which always has significant support among U.S. citizens. That is why Trump uses slogans about reducing expenses, fighting corruption, and gaining economic benefits from foreign policy.

3. What kind of peace plan does Trump want to establish?

In reality, Trump has not yet announced any peace plan. This indicates that Trump is trying to make peace quickly, like a broker on the stock exchange, and therefore does not pay attention to details. That is, concerning the war in Ukraine, Trump’s idea, judging by everything so far, is to fix the demarcation line as the real front line. Such a cavalry charge instead of a systematic solution does not mean long-term peace.

4. Why such informational aggression?

The discrediting of Zelenskyy and deliberately rude tone—to avoid personal communication and shift relations from the level of personal responsibility to the level of personal emotions. Such manipulation and accusations of personal animosity toward his critics are usually used by Zelenskyy himself to avoid dialogue in Ukraine. “If you want to communicate—follow my conditions,” Trump makes it clear.

5. Has Trump currently limited real aid to Ukraine?

No. At the moment, all current military aid programs continue to operate, but no new programs are being approved. This indicates that Trump is trying to avoid an actual break right now and is primarily trying to exert influence informationally. However, threats to limit aid have begun to emerge among U.S. leadership, and this requires a comprehensive response from Ukraine.

6. Can Ukraine influence Trump and force him to change his position?

Yes. Trump is the president of a country where there is no TV marathon, and the authorities are forced to respond to criticism from the media and civil society; the government must be flexible. Regarding the war in Israel, for example, isolationism does not work—Trump does not make accusations about the embezzlement of financial aid, does not demand concessions, but on the contrary, increases arms supplies and funding.

7. What should the Ukrainian authorities do?

First, the president of Ukraine must show that he is not a dictator and that he has support in the country thanks to a strategy approved by the majority of the people and their representatives.

Before Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy gathered parliamentary faction leaders to secure support and form a common position. Now Zelenskyy is not working on this, which significantly weakens Ukraine’s authority. Yes, in this matter, it is necessary to act together with the opposition (but not with the Opposition Platform For Life).

Second, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief must, at this time, address Ukraine’s defenders and announce immediate steps to strengthen defense capabilities. Trust in the Supreme Commander’s Staff and the leadership of the defense forces must be strengthened among brigade and battalion commanders due to the difficult situation on the front and in politics. All available financial resources of the state must be directed not toward populism but toward funding the army, which is fighting in a critical state.

Third, accusations of restrictions on freedom of speech and dictatorship must be refuted by holding a Council for the Protection of Freedom of Speech under the President, canceling the shameful TV marathon, and holding a press conference with Ukrainian journalists. And at least once, the president should try to answer honestly, politely, and without rudeness, giving journalists a clear explanation of his position.

Fourth, accusations of corruption must be refuted by stopping attempts to discredit public anti-corruption organizations and journalists and by dismissing at least the most notorious corrupt figures in the defense sector. It must be shown that although there are problems, there will be a response.

Fifth, professional diplomats must be involved in working on the president’s statements regarding foreign policy because the texts written for Zelenskyy by Yermak and Lytvyn in response to Trump’s accusations, claiming that Zelenskyy’s rating is not small but large, are simply childish and show a complete misunderstanding of the situation. It is necessary to respond not for oneself but for the state, emphasizing that the president’s position is based on the position of state institutions and society.

Sixth, a strategy for conveying Ukraine’s position in U.S. media is needed, as well as speeches by civil society in support of Ukraine. Yermak is simply incapable of doing this—people are needed who know how to listen to others rather than themselves and who can work with public opinion. There must be an explanation for U.S. voters about the consequences of dismantling aid to Ukraine, and all active supporters of Ukraine must be mobilized.

I have no doubt that even under such pressure, Ukraine can strengthen itself, unite, and become stronger. Our people have the will, awareness, and resources. We have every opportunity to win the war for independence and defend the existence of the Ukrainian nation.

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About the author: Yurii Butusov, journalist

The editorial team does not always share the views expressed by blog authors.