Trump’s Ambivalence Casts Shadow as Putin Intensifies Ukraine Offensive
WASHINGTON – As Russia‘s military campaign in Ukraine escalates, with Vladimir Putin unleashing intensified attacks, former President Donald Trump’s wavering stance and public pronouncements are drawing scrutiny as a potential key – or obstacle - to resolving the conflict.
Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with past U.S. strategies during periods of geopolitical tension with Moscow. Unlike Richard Nixon‘s 1972 opening to Beijing designed to pressure the Soviet Union,or Ronald Reagan’s firm strategic vision against Mikhail Gorbachev at the 1986 Reykjavik summit which contributed to the USSR’s weakening,Trump’s actions have been described as indecisive.
During a February 28th conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Trump reportedly told the Ukrainian president he did not have “cards” to play. His current handling - or lack thereof – of potential leverage is now seen by some as critical.
The Biden administration is reportedly considering renewed threats of secondary sanctions targeting countries purchasing Russian oil at discounted prices, with India already facing increased scrutiny. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes broader application of these sanctions, notably against China, could cripple the Russian economy and force Putin to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile,European nations are preparing a 19th package of sanctions aimed at disrupting mechanisms used to obscure the origin of Russian hydrocarbons,preventing their re-export to European markets. Transatlantic coordination on sanctions is seen as a potential catalyst for optimism regarding support for Ukraine, despite ongoing reservations.
