'We need weak Trump': Expert explains why Ukraine should step up strikes on Russian oil refineries
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Ukraine is interested in weakening Donald Trump’s position and that of his out-of-sync inner circle, as this reduces the risk of destructive decisions. At the same time, Kyiv must respond to enemy attacks and systematically destroy Russia’s oil infrastructure, rejecting dubious compromises, according to strategic communications expert Yurii Bohdanov on RBC-Ukraine’s TSE BAZA podcast.
Why a 'weak Trump' benefits Ukraine
Bohdanov noted that weakening the position of the incumbent US president would benefit both the Ukrainian establishment and its American allies. Even within the Republican Party, there is a serious lack of coordination.
"It is obvious that all the neoconservatives, from Mike Pence... to Kellogg. Note that Trump’s special envoy, just six months ago, comes out and directly criticizes Trump. This is a huge disconnect with his own inner circle, and we must take this into account and wait for a moment when his position weakens," the expert emphasized.
Strikes on Russian territory and the myth of an energy truce
Commenting on the security situation, Bohdanov acknowledged that Ukraine would have to endure enemy air attacks for some time. However, Russia’s missile stockpiles are not unlimited, and the response must be symmetrical and tough.
According to the expert, Ukraine must continue destroying targets on Russian territory and systematically striking Russian oil infrastructure. By contrast, proposed formats for an energy truce that restrict strikes exclusively to local targets, such as the Kremenchuk Oil Refinery, without a reciprocal halt to attacks by Russia, are unacceptable.
"We can agree to an energy truce, but not the Trumpist kind, where we stop striking Russian oil and they stop attacking the already battered Kremenchuk Oil Refinery. No, that is not a truce; it’s some kind of nonsense. That is why we must demonstrate our ability to counter-escalate," Bohdanov concluded.
Read also: Former Trump special envoy calls for allowing Ukraine to strike Russia without restrictions
