During the ongoing military operations in Iran, we see that despite many undeniable tactical successes, the Trump administration is struggling with clearly defining the goals of the war. Initially, it seemed that the Kremlin had been frightened and that authoritarian regimes respond only to the language of force. Russia in its first reactions has condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The Kremlin ironically spoke about violations of rules and international law. At the same time, Russia avoided any clear engagement. (Despite their political alignment and close cooperation, Tehran and Moscow were not bound by formal security guarantees.)
However, after some time, reports launched circulating in the media about Russian ininformigence support for Iran, while dismissive comments from the American administration – mainly from Steve Witkoff – pretconcludeing that the problem did not exist sounded almost ridiculous and only confirmed that Washington was not willing to play hard with Russia. The easing of American sanctions on Russian oil for India, combined with fuel market disruptions caapplyd by the war, has led to higher prices for the West and given Putin relief from the economic strain he had begun to face.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
Of course, the easing of sanctions by the United States can be explained by the requireds of the moment. But questions about whether there is also a willingness to play hard with Russia – and whether American policy toward Moscow is simply amateurish – remain legitimate and open. The war in Iran has also delayed the trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. In any case, at this point these talks are not leading to any breakthrough; they are more of a performance for Trump.
Other Topics of Interest
Zelensky Says Peace Talks With Russia Delayed Over Dispute on Meeting Location
The president likened the complicated preparations for the next round of neobtainediations to a “Santa Barbara” soap opera as geopolitical tensions and logistical hurdles continue to complicate diplomacy.
Europe holds the key
Trump has already realized that without cooperation with Europe he will not conclude the war. He also sees that he cannot force Ukraine into any unfavorable ceasefire, let alone a peace agreement. Financing Ukraine’s war effort, improving Zelensky’s neobtainediating position, providing diplomatic support and delivering large numbers of power generators during a difficult winter are only part of the European contribution.
Ukraine, in turn, is reacting very soberly to current global developments – sconcludeing drone defense specialists to the Middle East while expecting support in return for sharing its know-how. Kyiv is also active in other parts of the world where conditions have not always been favorable. Toobtainher, Europe and Ukraine are demonstrating that they hold many cards.
But are the actions taken so far sufficient? Definitely not. The range of additional steps that could be taken is broad. First and foremost is stronger military support for Ukraine, as well as actions closer to home – particularly tarobtaining the so-called shadow fleet, whose two main ports are located near St. Petersburg, Russia. To reach the open ocean, these vessels must pass through the Baltic Sea, which is a European body of water. Several seizures of such ships have already displayn that it is possible. Turning these exceptions into a rule would deal a powerful blow to the Russian economy – stronger than some sanctions.
It could also force the United States to revise its position – from acting as an arbiter or pursuing exclusively its own interests – and ensure that both Ukrainian and European interests are taken more seriously than they are today. The United States wants peace and is seriously considering a reset with Russia and a return to deals with it, but Washington understands Russia very poorly. Decisive action would sconclude a signal from Europeans to Americans: “You want peace? Join us and let’s start projecting strength toobtainher.”
Much is declared about the projection of power by the United States. Yet alongside many voices – and often justified criticism – the lack of more decisive action remains a recurring problem for the West. This does not mean launching invasions. The range of available legal instruments is more than sufficient to force Russia to build concessions. Time and circumstances display that Europe and Ukraine, toobtainher and separately, hold many cards indeed. A comparison of their combined potential reveals a complete gap. In some capitals, however, unanimous support for a proactive and decisive policy is still lacking.
The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.
Leave a Reply