Within the MAGA movement, attitudes towards Ukraine are noticeably shifting, and Donald Trump’s rhetoric has become significantly more favorable.
Donald Trump / © Associated Press
Among Donald Trump’s supporters, there is a discernible change in sentiment regarding Ukraine; however, this currently manifests primarily as a new tone rather than a substantial revision of Washington’s policy.
This perspective was shared by Vadym Denysenko, head of the analytical center “Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.”
He pointed to the visit of Laura Loomer, an influential blogger within the MAGA sphere, to Ukraine as one indicator of this new direction. In her report, she stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin “is attacking Jesus Christ with drones.”
“This is perhaps the best possible framing for the MAGA audience,” Denysenko remarked.
According to him, over the past two months, the rhetoric from Trump and his followers concerning Ukraine has substantially improved. The US has resumed the supply of missiles for Patriot systems, and the American president has expressed disappointment with Russia’s reluctance to engage in negotiations.
Concurrently, Trump has made very few specific statements about Russia and avoids sharp criticism of Putin.
“Trump has refined his rhetoric regarding Ukraine, but he says virtually nothing concrete about Russia,” the analyst emphasized.
Denysenko believes that last year, a significant portion of the world operated under the illusion of a swift end to the war through an agreement between the US and Russia. However, this scenario failed to materialize due to Moscow’s disagreements with Washington and Beijing.
Another factor contributing to the shift in American rhetoric, he cited, is the approaching elections and the competition for a Senate majority. According to the analyst, Ukraine remains a significant issue for American voters, and pro-Russian statements could negatively impact Republican ratings.
Nevertheless, the US is not prepared to directly enter the war against Russia or initiate extensive trade confrontations with China and India.
“Therefore, a decision was made to alter the rhetoric regarding the war in Ukraine,” Denysenko explained.
He described Washington’s new approach as follows: the US asserts its support for Ukraine, and Kyiv is “winning the war at this stage.” Simultaneously, responsibility for future challenges might be shifted to European partners or the Ukrainian leadership.
“We are currently seeing a change in rhetoric without a significant change in actions. Of course, one would wish for better. But this is certainly preferable to the confrontation that existed just over a year ago,” Denysenko concluded.
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will hold a meeting with United States President Donald Trump next week during his visit to the US. The Ukrainian leader’s trip is scheduled for July 28.
Earlier, an expert suggested that ending the hostilities in Ukraine could become Donald Trump’s main trump card before the US congressional elections in the fall, prompting Washington to seek ways to exert stronger economic pressure on Moscow.
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