By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak criticized the United States for ceding diplomatic leadership to Russia regarding potential Ukraine peace talks, arguing this weakens the U.S. position and undermines Ukraine’s interests. Podolyak expressed concern over a lack of Ukrainian involvement and briefing regarding the talks, questioning the efficacy of a “peace through strength” strategy. He further highlighted President Trump’s false claims blaming Ukraine for the war and suggesting Zelenskyy is a dictator, raising concerns about potential Russian interference in Ukrainian elections.
Read the original article here
Zelenskyy’s adviser, echoing a sentiment shared by many, believes the United States has abdicated its leadership role in resolving the Ukrainian conflict, inadvertently bolstering Russia’s position. This perceived abandonment stems from actions and pronouncements attributed to the current US administration. The feeling is that recent US policy has been counterproductive, rendering any US involvement in peace negotiations or trade discussions effectively useless. The suggestion is that the world should explore solutions independent of US involvement.
This assessment casts a critical eye on the current US administration’s approach to the conflict, suggesting their efforts are not only ineffective but are actively hindering progress towards a peaceful resolution. The claim is that any peace proposals emanating from the US are completely worthless, lacking credibility with key players like Ukraine and the EU. The perceived futility of these negotiations is further emphasized by the suggestion that no realistic path to peace would be acceptable to both sides, given the divergence of their interests and demands.
The core argument centers on the idea that the current US approach inadvertently strengthens Russia’s negotiating position. The perspective offered is that current US policy weakens Ukraine’s standing and empowers Russia to demand more concessions, potentially further destabilizing the region. It’s suggested that the US, instead of supporting Ukraine, has inadvertently strengthened its adversary, creating a scenario where Russia can extract greater benefits without facing sufficient consequences.
The analysis extends to suggest that the US’s diminished role leaves a void that other nations, notably European powers like the UK, Germany, and France, must fill. The narrative implies that the US has actively undermined its standing as a global leader, damaging trust and credibility among its allies. This perceived self-inflicted wound not only weakens the US’s influence but also places the onus on other global actors to address the conflict.
The criticism extends to a broader critique of US foreign policy, highlighting a perception of unpredictability and inconsistency that has damaged relationships with key allies. The US is accused of prioritizing its own interests at the expense of its allies’ security, which is further substantiated by the perception that the US administration is turning a blind eye to the severity of the conflict in Ukraine.
There’s a strong sense of betrayal felt by those who previously viewed the US as a reliable partner. The perception of the US having abandoned Ukraine and its allies casts a shadow over international relations, raising concerns about future security alliances and the reliability of US commitments. The argument suggests that many nations are questioning the dependability of the US, forcing them to forge independent paths to address pressing geopolitical challenges.
The absence of US leadership has created a power vacuum, which some believe could result in a longer and more destructive conflict. This assessment highlights the potential for Russia to exploit the situation, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining regional stability. The lack of effective US mediation leaves Ukraine increasingly vulnerable and in a position of needing to negotiate from a weaker position.
Ultimately, this viewpoint calls for a significant re-evaluation of the US role in international affairs, specifically focusing on the need for a more coherent and reliable approach to conflict resolution. The argument suggests that the US’s current trajectory is dangerous, potentially leading to wider conflicts and greater instability, while simultaneously leaving its allies questioning the value of continued partnership. The proposed solution is for the European Union to take the lead in mediating the conflict, a move which would require substantial financial and political commitment. However, significant hurdles remain regarding the EU’s capacity and political will to assume this new leading role.