"Peacemakers with silencers": How Trump's radicalization will impact end of war in Ukraine

Otherwise, the architects of the new American geopolitics will reshape Ukraine with the scissors of indifference.

One such architect is J. D. Vance, a more radical version of Trump and the newly announced vice presidential candidate. He's known for saying, "I have to be honest with you, I don't care what happens to Ukraine one way or another." And he:

• Joined other Republicans in urging Biden to stop unlimited "aid to Ukraine" and linked it to "ceasing pressure" on the Moscow Orthodox Church in Ukraine;
• Demanded that Zelenskyy admit Ukraine will eventually cede some territories to the aggressor and advocated for Ukraine's neutrality (Zelenskyy's stated goal of the war — returning to the borders of 1991 — is a fantasy, he said).

Ukraine's problem isn't the Republican Party, it's math. Ukraine needs more soldiers than it can muster, even with strict mobilization. It needs more weapons than the US can supply, said Vance.

You get it – he's a proponent of tough negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He's also a staunch anti-globalist, hailing from a region hurt by the outsourcing of production, making him likely to support conflict with the EU.

Even in character, he resembles Trump. They often clashed in the past, with Vance calling Donald a fascist, and Trump responding by humiliating the young politician. Yet, their shared tendency to seek simple solutions to complex problems has bonded them.

There are many like Vance. For example, former Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, a candidate for a high post in a conservative administration, has proposed creating several autonomous zones in Ukraine and blocking its NATO membership.

The issue isn't just about names: after Trump's epic photo with a bloodied face and a raised "Fight" gesture, the US presidential election has veered away from rationality at lightning speed, turning into a complete spectacle. Here, aggression replaces prudence: voters will be swayed by emotions alone...

The show is Trump's domain, where, according to the laws of drama, he "defeats death" and emerges as a "fighter and martyr." This not only boosts his ratings but also adds to his confidence. And confidence changes the political landscape: if Trump was erratic with his promises in his first term, now he will push to implement the most radical ones.

Sadly, we shouldn't expect much resistance from the Democrats: the weak, insecure liberalism of the Democrats can't even defend itself and will lose to political anarchism.

From Ukraine's perspective, Trumpism is "peacemaking with a silencer," ready to eliminate any dissenting political voices. Kyiv will struggle to negotiate with Washington unless Putin seriously damages his relationship with the White House leader. That's why Ukraine must quickly find common ground with the European community that might appeal to the new form of Trumpism.

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About the author. Orest Sohar, journalist and chief editor of Obozrevatel

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.