August M
Concerns are growing in Ukrainian political and analytical circles that the United States could pressure Kyiv into making concessions to Russia in exchange for a possible ceasefire agreement.
The fears are reportedly linked to Donald Trump’s desire to secure a visible diplomatic result ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in 2026, reports LA.lv.
Worries over pressure
According to comments made by Latvian National Armed Forces Major and National Guard staff officer Jānis Slaidiņš on TV24, some in Ukraine fear Trump could be influenced by Kremlin narratives about Russian battlefield “successes.”
There are concerns Moscow may attempt to convince Washington that Ukraine has no choice but to accept Russian demands, including issues tied to the Donetsk region.
However, Slaidiņš argued Ukraine still has the ability to resist Russian pressure effectively.
“A weak state does not issue ultimatums,” he said, pointing to Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory as evidence Kyiv has not lost the initiative.
Moscow’s priorities
According to the discussion, Ukrainian political circles believe several issues remain especially important for Russia during negotiations.
These include Donbas, international recognition of occupied territories, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the possible lifting of sanctions against Moscow.
There are also concerns in Ukraine that the United States could potentially consider compromises on some of these issues if it believes such steps could produce a diplomatic breakthrough.
At the same time, Slaidiņš stressed that no official American position supporting such concessions has been announced.
Talks remain stalled
Despite several rounds of US-mediated discussions between Moscow and Kyiv, no major diplomatic progress has been achieved so far.
Territorial disputes continue to block wider agreements between the two sides.
Ukraine continues insisting that any ceasefire arrangement would require clear security guarantees.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin is reportedly trying to improve relations with Washington in hopes of easing Western sanctions.
Trump’s balancing act
The discussion also suggested Trump views the Ukraine war within a broader political and geopolitical context.
According to Slaidiņš, Trump wants concrete foreign policy achievements that can be presented to American voters ahead of upcoming elections.
At the same time, he has reportedly tried to avoid making Ukraine the central focus of his public messaging.
The Ukraine war is also expected to feature in Trump’s upcoming visit to China, alongside discussions involving sanctions and energy policy.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are also expected to travel to Moscow soon, though Ukrainian observers argue it would be equally important for them to visit Kyiv directly.
Sources: LA.LV, TV24
