The political climate in Washington is changing, and the key factor driving this shift is the reality of events on the battlefield. The attitude of US President Donald Trump and his administration towards Ukraine has undergone significant positive changes. The reason for this is not diplomatic rhetoric, but concrete results demonstrated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This was stated by the First Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Serhiy Kislitsa, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the American administration is reacting to the successes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, particularly to effective strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Psychology of Winners
Kislitsa emphasized that Americans are a nation with specific psychology, both at the individual and state levels. One thing unites them: they like to be on the side of success. What Ukrainian military personnel are doing now, making a powerful impression on Washington, is exactly what is needed to change the vector of support.
The situation at the front, successful "mid- and deep-strikes" (medium and long-range strikes) against the Russian Federation, became the factor that overturned skepticism. Earlier, as Kislitsa recalled, the Russian side successfully promoted a narrative in the US that "the remnants of the Donbas would soon be taken." American negotiators even warned Kyiv: if they did not agree to terms at the negotiating table, the terms for a ceasefire would be dictated based on the results of military operations, once Russia had captured new territories.
From Criticism to Supporting Weapons Production
The change in Donald Trump's rhetoric has become noticeable and public. If the position was previously restrained, now the American leader openly praises Ukrainians. Moreover, Trump supported providing Kyiv with a license to produce its own ballistic weapons.
The Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, previously explained this metamorphosis simply: Trump loves winners. The only way to maintain this favor is to continue successful actions at the front.
Concrete Steps and Agreements
The change in tone is backed by real actions. Following the G7 meeting in June, a joint statement signed by Trump was published, agreeing on a number of issues concerning Ukraine. In particular, the parties agreed to increase supplies of air defense systems, additional anti-aircraft systems, and interceptor missiles.
An important stage was the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8. One of the main topics was strengthening Ukraine's air defense. Trump stated that the US is ready to provide Ukraine with the right to produce Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. Despite the technical complexity of the process, the American leader is convinced that Ukraine will quickly master these technologies.
Escalation as a Path to Peace
Trump also touched upon the topic of Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian territory. He acknowledged that such actions constitute escalation, however, he expressed the opinion that precisely this kind of escalation is capable of bringing the end of the war closer. According to him, work on a peace agreement continues, although the process is not easy.
Thus, the current US strategy is built on supporting those who show results. Successful defense and counter-offensive actions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have become the language that Washington understands best.
