Media: US political shifts risk strengthening Russia’s position in Ukraine conflict

NATO and Western security officials have raised alarms, warning that Ukraine is gradually losing the war, with the coming winter set to play a crucial role in the conflict's outcome.

Ukrainian citizens already face the prospect of homes without heating, electricity, or water, a deliberate tactic to instil suffering and undermine morale, Caliber.Az reports per The Foreign Policy (FP).

The Russian military has also focused attacks on vital ports in the south, limiting Ukraine’s ability to receive crucial supplies, including food.

This strategy is taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding US political changes, with Russian forces seemingly emboldened by the lack of clarity from Washington. Experts warn that Moscow is testing the limits of Western resolve, pushing for greater strategic concessions while the US navigates the transition between administrations. The absence of decisive action from the West, particularly Washington, is seen as a significant opportunity for Russia to consolidate its territorial gains and position itself for further aggression.

The concern is not just for Ukraine but for the broader security of Europe and, ultimately, the United States. Should Russia retain control over any of the territories it has seized, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, it would likely strengthen its military foothold and pose an even greater threat to NATO members, especially those along Russia’s western borders.

A ceasefire that allows Russia to hold these territories would enable Moscow to fortify its presence, not only in Ukraine but also in neighbouring Belarus. This would bring NATO’s eastern flank into direct jeopardy, potentially setting the stage for further Russian aggression against countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and even non-NATO members like Moldova and Georgia.

For the US, this would be a geopolitical setback of immense proportions. As Ruth Deyermond from King’s College London points out, a Russian victory in Ukraine would be seen globally as a failure of US leadership. Such a defeat would undermine US credibility and send a message to adversaries that America can be challenged without consequence.

Trump’s previous remarks, including his praise for Putin and suggestion that Ukraine should have ceded territory to Russia, have raised concerns among many that he might not fully grasp the gravity of the situation or the long-term consequences for US global influence.

The US has already invested significant political and financial capital in supporting Ukraine, and scaling back support would not only damage the credibility of the US but also embolden authoritarian regimes globally. Russian efforts to spread disinformation, disrupt democratic processes, and build military alliances with countries like Iran and North Korea must be countered decisively. A diminished US role in Ukraine would also signal to global adversaries that the West is fractured and weakened, which could have far-reaching implications for international stability.

In this context, Trump needs to act swiftly and decisively. Ukraine must be supported in its fight against Russian aggression, not just for the sake of Ukrainian sovereignty, but for the long-term security of Europe and the United States. The message is clear: the US needs Ukraine to win. It is time for Trump and his inner circle to recognise the strategic importance of this conflict and prioritise a robust plan to help Ukraine achieve victory, ensuring that Russia does not emerge as the dominant power in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev