Kathrine Frich
The U.S. now lacks a cohesive strategy on Russia.
The U.S. now lacks a cohesive strategy on Russia.
Trump Dismantles Secret Russia Task Force in Quiet Shake-Up
President Trump has shut down a covert interagency working group designed to increase pressure on Russia amid its war in Ukraine.
Formed earlier this year, the task force brought together top officials from the NSC, Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence agencies.
Its mission is to explore aggressive strategies to break Moscow’s economic and geopolitical influence. But the initiative was axed before any of its proposals reached implementation.
Bold Strategies, Abandoned Midway
The task force was brainstorming bold, unconventional tactics, ranging from economic deals to pull countries out of Russia’s orbit, to covert operations aimed at disrupting trade routes.
These ideas, while controversial, reflected a desire to think beyond sanctions. Officials say the group never moved beyond planning stages, and the plug was pulled before any strategy could be tested or debated in earnest.
Kazakhstan and the Sanctions Evasion Web
A key focus of the group was Kazakhstan, viewed as a major conduit for sanction evasion. Western officials had flagged the country as a loophole in the trade embargo against Moscow.
One proposal considered was offering incentives to Astana to tighten enforcement and close these backdoors.
But with the task force now dissolved, that initiative is likely dead in the water.
Trump’s Campaign Promise Meets Reality
Trump campaigned on a promise to end the Ukraine war “on day one,” but six months into his term, little progress has been made.
Frustrated with the stalemate, he’s reportedly considering stepping back from mediation efforts entirely.
That shift in tone made the task force’s mission appear increasingly irrelevant, contributing to its quiet demise.
NATO Allies Alarmed Ahead of Crucial Summit
The dissolution of the group is sending shockwaves through Europe, where allies were already uneasy about Trump’s ambiguous posture toward Moscow.
With a pivotal NATO summit looming, many worry the U.S. is retreating from its leadership role, right when a united front is needed most against Russian aggression.
White House Fires Entire Ukraine-Focused Security Team
Three weeks ago, the situation worsened when nearly the entire National Security Council staff handling Ukraine policy was fired in a sweeping restructuring.
Andrew Peek, the NSC’s top official on Europe and Russia, was among those dismissed.
This shake-up effectively dismantled the group’s leadership structure, leaving its work unsustainable.
Russia Policy Drifts Without Direction
With the task force disbanded and senior NSC roles gutted, the U.S. now lacks a cohesive strategy on Russia.
There’s little clarity on who, if anyone, is driving the administration’s Ukraine policy.
The resulting vacuum has further weakened America’s ability to lead diplomatic efforts or respond to Russia’s ongoing military actions.
Calls for Tougher Sanctions Persist
Despite the shift, some Republican figures, like Senator Lindsey Graham, continue to advocate for expanded sanctions, citing Russia’s attacks on civilians and rejection of ceasefire proposals.
Trump has hinted at harsher measures but remains publicly noncommittal, often criticizing both Ukraine and Russia in equal measure.
Strategic Retreat or Tactical Pause?
The unanswered question remains: was this a calculated pullback or chaotic mismanagement?
Officials aren’t sure who ordered the shutdown, and Trump’s silence only adds to the confusion.
With few senior voices left to challenge Kremlin policy internally, the White House appears increasingly disengaged—at a moment of growing global instability.
