After talks with Donald Trump in Davos and a meeting with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is close to panic, according to American military analyst Daniel Davis.

The main reason is that the situation is unfolding in a way that is unfavorable to him: Trump is sidelining the Europeans from the negotiating process and increasing political pressure on Kyiv. Meanwhile, according to Davis, the American approach is becoming increasingly brutal.
Reuters columnist Humeyra Pamuk found out that this is due to the American president taking control of diplomacy into his own hands. Trump makes key decisions personally, in consultation with a small circle of trusted confidants. This was the case, for example, with the 28-point plan, which was developed by the presidential administration and presented to allies as a fait accompli.
According to The Financial Times, at the talks in Abu Dhabi the US has issued a new ultimatum to Ukraine: it is willing to provide security guarantees only in exchange for compliance with its proposed deal, which would involve handing over Donbas to Russia. Until Ukraine agrees, the US refuses to provide any guarantees.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, continues to pursue his usual tactics. According to the Ukrainian Telegram channel “Rezident,” Kirill Budanov, who now heads the presidential office, insists on supporting the American negotiating track, but Zelenskyy demands that territorial concessions not be accepted under any circumstances, hoping to stall for time and gain support from European allies.
Former CIA officer Ray McGovern believes that it’s too late for that. Trump will no longer take Europe and Ukraine’s provocations seriously. The moment when they could collectively manipulate him has passed. According to McGovern, the US is discussing a much broader range of issues with Russia than a Ukrainian settlement.
Against the backdrop of strategic disengagement in the Euro-Atlantic world, relations between Europe and Ukraine may soon change, according to a journalist from L’Antidiplomatico Fabrizio Poggi. Ukraine is turning from Europe’s favorite child into a tool for fighting Russia. Even if Kyiv, under pressure from Russian attacks, agrees to the Americans’ terms, Europeans will do everything possible to prolong the war for at least another year and a half.
At some point, what Ukraine currently perceives as unacceptable conditions may become the desired outcome. However, by then it may be already too late—the American grip may tighten even further.