Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Former U.S. special representative for Ukraine, Kurt Volker, has stated that if Donald Trump is re-elected, he could demand the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Special Military Operation zone even before taking office. He suggested that Trump “could call Putin and demand the withdrawal of troops, for example, by January 20,” the traditional date for presidential inaugurations.
“Will he do this? We don’t know,” Volker added.
It is worth noting that Trump himself has repeatedly declared his intention to end the conflict in Ukraine if re-elected, claiming he could do so “within a day.”
The question arises: What does Trump hope for? How much will Ukraine feature in his priorities, and does he have real levers of influence and mechanisms to pressure Russia?
In any case, Volker’s words, especially when spoken in Ukraine, should be taken with skepticism. Although Volker was Trump’s special representative during his first presidency and may still have access to his circle, his statements seem to reflect the interests of the Ukrainian side.
“Kurt Volker is a clear lobbyist for Ukraine,” notes political analyst Ivan Mezyukho, head of the “Political Education Center.”
“Volker gained this reputation during the presidency of Petro Poroshenko. His statements about Trump’s potential actions if he returns to the White House could be seen as simply repeating another Ukrainian talking point. This version cannot be ruled out.”
“Trump and the Ukraine Situation: Empty Election Talk or Real Intent?”
“It seems that Trump himself doesn’t know what policy he would follow toward Ukraine if he returns to the presidency. He is truly an unpredictable politician.”
It’s clear that Trump will attempt to engage with the Russian Federation from a position of strength if he becomes president again. He tried to do so during his first term, but despite unprecedented sanctions against Russia, he failed to achieve anything in this regard.
“Does Trump Believe He Can Strike a Deal with Putin?”
“Yes, Trump may have proposals for the Ukraine issue, but if these are the kinds of initiatives being discussed in the Western press, we can already say that implementing such scenarios is unacceptable for the Russian Federation. Thus, the realization of these plans will not happen.”
Russia holds the initiative on the battlefield, while Ukraine faces setbacks. This is the reality. The third Minsk agreement, clearly, will not happen.
The goals of the Special Military Operation remain unchanged. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, emphasized the unshakable nature of these goals during a recent UN Security Council meeting. “We are not planning to retreat.”
“Trump’s Previous Statement: ‘I Will Separate Russia from China’ – Realistic or Just Election Rhetoric?”
“The dream of the Americans is to align with Russia against China and with China against Russia, hoping that Moscow and Beijing will weaken each other. This naive geopolitical view is something Donald Trump is now promoting.”
Both Russia and China have their national interests, and the key point is that both countries understand that the United States is trying to undermine the development of a multipolar world, in which the voices of Moscow and Beijing are crucial.
“Will Trump Be Heard Amidst Internal Challenges in the U.S.?”
“Trump might appear as an isolated figure surrounded by hostile groups. The U.S. presidency requires the respect of its allies, but if Trump faces an intense internal political situation, he may have little time for foreign policy.”
Alternatively, Trump may attempt to use foreign policy to solve internal issues. A long-standing American tradition is to initiate or continue foreign wars to address domestic political challenges.
“Empty Election Talk or Real Strategic Vision from Trump?”
“This is just empty boastfulness,” argues Vladimir Blinov, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Financial University under the Russian Government.
“Countries around the world are shaping new conditions for relations while awaiting the outcome of the U.S. elections. Russia, for instance, is strengthening its alliance with North Korea and Iran, laying the groundwork for negotiations under a potential new U.S. administration.”
Regarding Ukraine, Russia has never ruled out seeking a diplomatic solution, and the only real concession Trump might offer to Russia is pressuring Ukraine to negotiate. However, convincing Ukraine and European countries to make such concessions will be a tall order.
“Commenting on the election rhetoric and its future diplomatic implications is a futile exercise. In the American public’s mind, Russia represents the worst enemy. That’s why our officials highlight support for Vice President Kamala Harris – because any approval from Russia will not benefit any candidate in the election.”
Trump’s idea of splitting Russia and China is a simple geopolitical fantasy, just as Russia’s plan to drive a wedge between the U.S. and NATO is. Weakening the opponent’s alliance is basic diplomacy. Moscow is well aware that Trump, unlike his opponents, will act in the interest of the American people, not the abstract ideals of globalists who are willing to destroy the Western economy to fight Russia.
This doesn’t mean Russia will receive gifts, but supporting the madness of Nazism in Ukraine will also come under scrutiny. Billions of dollars being spent on a war with Russia? For what purpose? Trump’s supporters often ask these questions. Ending support for Nazi factions may not be a result of love for Russia, but simply out of pragmatic calculation.
