Kremlin Welcomes Trump’s National Security Strategy,as Ukraine Faces Bleak Winter and Peace Talks
Moscow – The Kremlin has lauded Donald Trump’s newly unveiled national security strategy,asserting its alignment with Russia‘s own strategic objectives. This development coincides with ongoing, “difficult” peace talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a team including Trump allies, held in Florida.
Zelenskyy stated on social media following a two-hour call that Ukraine “is resolute to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace,” and that discussions centered on “key points that could ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new Russian full-scale invasion.” Though, the feasibility of securing robust security guarantees from the US or Europe-ones capable of deterring future Russian aggression-remains uncertain, as does the likelihood of Vladimir Putin accepting a deal involving Western troops in Ukraine.
US officials have previously suggested nearing sustainable deals during Trump’s second term, claims later deemed unrealistic. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, indicated at a defense forum Saturday that peace efforts were in “the last 10 metres,” with territory and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as the remaining sticking points.
Differing viewpoints within trump’s circle are apparent; while kellogg is considered sympathetic to Kyiv,figures like Witkoff are perceived as more aligned with Russian positions. Donald Trump Jr. publicly suggested Zelenskyy is prolonging the conflict to maintain power, and stated the US would cease being a primary financial supporter.
Ukraine faces a challenging winter,with Russia continuing attacks on energy infrastructure.A drone attack in the Chernihiv region on Saturday resulted in one fatality, and a combined drone and missile attack on Kremenchuk left the city without power and water Sunday. These attacks followed a large-scale assault on Friday night involving over 600 drones and 50 missiles.
Ukraine is also grappling with internal challenges, including a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff. Analysts in Kyiv believe the country isn’t yet in a position where it would accept any deal solely to end the war, but acknowledge a difficult period lies ahead.
