War for resources: what is really behind Trump’s words about Russia’s “trump cards”
20 February 16:20
US President Donald Trump has said that Russia holds “trump cards” in negotiations over the war in Ukraine because the Kremlin has “seized a significant portion of the territory.” Trump made the remarks on his return to Washington after attending an investment meeting in Florida.
“I think Russia wants to end the war, and I really do. They have certain advantages because they have captured a large part of the territory. They have a trump card,” Trump said.
When asked if he believes that Russia wants peace, Trump replied: “Yes.”
Trump made this statement after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his displeasure, saying that the American leader was in a “disinformation space” controlled by Moscow.
Ukrainian MP Yuriy Kovalchuk shared his thoughts on Donald Trump’s latest statements and the geopolitical situation, focusing on key aspects of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s role in these processes.
Occupied territories are not Russia’s trump card
Yuriy Kovalchuk categorically denies the idea that the territories occupied by Russia can be used as a bargaining chip in international negotiations. According to him, this is more a reason to bring the aggressor to justice for war crimes.
“This is the basis for a criminal war crime charge.”
Kovalchuk also emphasized that the seizure of territories is a problem for Russia, which in the 21st century commits such aggressive actions, destroying human lives and throwing civilians into the streets.
As for Russia’s real trump cards, the deputy noted that Russia’s only trump card is the fear of Europe and the United States regarding the presence of nuclear weapons in Russia. Russia has no other trump cards. At the same time, he emphasized that hidden interests, such as oil and gas trade, are not trump cards that can be used in the international arena.
Trump is an observer and a manipulator
Yuriy Kovalchuk also drew attention to Donald Trump’s actions in the context of the war in Ukraine. In his opinion, Trump uses tactics of psychological manipulation and strategic pressure on Russia.
“Trump behaves like Putin and says things that Putin likes, which means that he can be talked to,” the MP said.
Kovalchuk explained that Trump is preparing the ground for future negotiations and manipulating the situation to create chaos and confuse his opponent.
“The third point is narrowing the scope to take place in the right place and in a limited time. This will prevent the opponent from deliberately making certain decisions,” he emphasized.
The MP emphasized that Ukraine should be more active in the international arena, demanding responsibility from Russia for its aggression. According to him, it is necessary to clearly define Russia as an aggressor and demand compensation for damages, leaving no questions unanswered.
Trump is acting in the interests of the United States, not Ukraine or Russia
Kovalchuk noted that Trump is primarily acting in the interests of America, not Russia or Ukraine.
“He is neither pro-Ukrainian nor pro-Russian. He is watching from a position of power and pursuing the interests of the owners who brought him to office,” the MP said.
These interests, according to Kovalchuk, relate to the fight against China and control over global resources.
“Trump is probably trying to take advantage of Russia’s mineral resources without giving it anything in return,” he added.
According to Kovalchuk, the war in Ukraine is part of the global struggle for resources, where the interests of the United States, China and Russia overlap.
“If Russia falls under China’s influence, it will be a loss for the United States. But if the control over resources remains in the hands of Ukraine and the United States, it will make the situation easier for them,” the MP says.
Possible change in the balance of power in favor of Ukraine and Europe
Political analyst Oleg Sahakyan, speaking to journalists
According to the political scientist, recent events may change the balance of power in the international arena.
“Now Ukraine, together with Europe, can look much more convincing than Russia.”
Sahakian also noted that Trump, as a “political animal,” is able to move in the direction of the most favorable option for him. Oleg Sahakian also drew attention to the serious changes in the international order that have occurred after Trump’s statements. He emphasized:
“The key change is that the world based on rules and international law has been destroyed by Trump. We are already in the scenario that many experts have described. The world as we knew it is now trampled on as a result of Trump’s actions.”
The anti-Trump coalition will confront both Trump and Putin
According to the political scientist, an anti-Trump coalition may be formed in the near future, which will coincide in many aspects with the anti-Putin coalition.
“It is likely that the anti-Trump coalition will largely coincide with the anti-Putin coalition, as opponents of Russia’s aggression and threats to Europe will unite,” Sahakyan said.
Thus, the geopolitical struggle around Ukraine remains a complex and multilevel process in which the interests of major global players play a key role. Trump’s statements open new perspectives in the international arena, but at the same time they become part of a large geopolitical game that will determine the future not only for Russia and Ukraine, but for the whole world.
