When will Trump pressure Putin? Ukrainian expert explains
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump is unlikely to begin seriously pressuring Russian leader Vladimir Putin before early fall. No swift decisions regarding pressure on Russia should be expected from this US administration, said Valerii Klochok, head of the Center for Public Analytics Vezha, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel.
Klochok explained that the issue of sanctions against Russia will turn into a major "political show" in the US. In his view, it has already begun, as three Democratic senators have launched an investigation into Trump, while the Republican Party is split - some support increasing pressure on Russia, others want to ease it.
"Trump’s team is divided. Trump himself hasn’t clearly decided what he will do. There isn’t much direct influence on him. Some advisers give him recommendations, and he might listen. But since he makes the decisions himself, we have to understand it won’t be easy to change his mind," Klochok said.
He added that eventually one of the Republican influence groups will win out. However, it’s unlikely that the pro-Russian faction will be strong enough to break Trump and push him into cooperating with the Kremlin.
“Will Trump start working with Russia? I highly doubt it. Most likely not, at least not until the strikes and full-scale attacks on the front line stop. Until then, no major shifts should be expected. Although we already have examples of the lifting of certain sanctions against Russia," he noted.
The expert also reminded that a new Senate and House election campaign will begin in about a year. In this context, the political future of many Republicans depends on Trump, which could become a positive factor for Ukraine in terms of increasing pressure on Russia.
However, he concluded that it is too early to expect any changes to happen tomorrow or even within a week. According to forecasts from his center, such developments were unlikely to begin before September.
Senators demand action
On July 4, three Democratic senators - Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Coons - announced the launch of an investigation into the Trump administration. The President was accused of failing to impose new sanctions against Russia for more than five months because of its war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the US Senate has already introduced a bill that would impose new restrictions on Russia. In particular, it provides for the introduction of 500% tariffs for any state that continues to buy Russian oil and other goods. It has overwhelming support from senators - 84 votes out of 100.
