Trump's actions have helped bring the end of the war in Ukraine closer - The Telegraph journalist

The actions taken by former U.S. President Donald Trump have reportedly brought the war in Ukraine closer to its end than any other factor before, according to a journalist from *The Telegraph*. This perspective challenges conventional narratives about American involvement in the conflict, suggesting that while Trump's policies were not aimed at aiding Ukraine, they inadvertently created conditions that allowed Kyiv greater freedom to strike Russian territory.

According to the journalist, the turning point came when Washington ceased financial support for Ukraine, effectively removing the ability of the United States to dictate terms to Kyiv. This shift marked a departure from the previous administration’s approach under Joe Biden, which had imposed strict conditions on military aid, including restrictions on Ukrainian operations against Russian forces. Under Biden, Ukraine was required to wait until Russian troops crossed into Ukrainian territory before launching counterattacks—a policy seen as overly cautious and restrictive.

The article highlights how this limitation placed Ukraine in a precarious position, forcing it to remain passive while Russia concentrated its forces along the border. Despite significant losses suffered by Russian forces, the imbalance in strategic control favored Moscow, prolonging the war. The journalist argues that these constraints contributed to the protraction of hostilities rather than their resolution.

Trump’s decision to halt U.S. funding and weapons shipments was rooted in his insistence that Ukraine reimburse America for the costs incurred during Biden’s tenure. This move was accompanied by a public humiliation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump reportedly told him, “You have no cards.” While such remarks were perceived as demoralizing, they also signaled a fundamental change in the relationship between the two nations.

With the U.S. no longer providing direct financial backing, Ukraine gained operational autonomy. It began using its own drones and missiles to target Russian infrastructure, particularly within Russia itself. This shift marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, allowing Kyiv to directly challenge Russian economic and military capabilities without external oversight.

One notable example cited in the article occurred in June, when Vladimir Putin opened his economic forum in St. Petersburg. The event coincided with a Ukrainian attack on a city oil terminal, resulting in visible smoke over the urban skyline. Additionally, a naval vessel caught fire in the harbor, symbolizing the tangible impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian interests. These incidents underscored the growing effectiveness of Kyivan attacks against Russian targets.

The journalist notes that the damage inflicted by these strikes has been substantial. In some cases, Ukrainian operations have disrupted nearly a quarter of Russia’s refining capacity. By late May, Russian oil processing levels had dropped to their lowest since the early 2000s, prompting fuel rationing in multiple regions. Long lines formed at gas stations, and in Crimea, regular drivers were denied access to fuel supplies altogether.

These developments have forced Russia to confront the reality of its energy sector vulnerabilities. The journalist emphasizes that the consequences extend beyond mere economic disruption—Russia now struggles to meet domestic fuel demands, highlighting a broader crisis that could reshape the geopolitical landscape.

As the situation continues to evolve, the role of international actors remains critical. While the U.S. and Europe debate further sanctions, Ukraine has already begun implementing measures that directly threaten Russian interests. The journalist suggests that these developments may mark a new phase in the conflict—one where Ukraine operates with increasing independence and strategic flexibility, potentially altering the course of the war in ways previously thought unlikely.