Ukrainian commentator Yuriy Boycheko, Founder and CEO of Hope for Ukraine, believes Donald Trump’s approach to Russia is fundamentally flawed and that only China now has the power to end the war.
Following Russia’s massive missile and drone strikes on Kyiv on August 28 which killed at least 23 people, including children, and damaged homes, shopping centers, and even European Union offices Trump’s muted response has sparked sharp criticism. The former president described the attacks as “not necessary” and “bad timing,” but avoided condemning Moscow directly.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt even compared Russia’s bombardment of civilians to Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, a statement many saw as drawing a false equivalence.
Boycheko argues that Trump has misread both the war and Putin himself. In his words, “Trump thought he could charm, bribe, or sweet-talk Putin. But Putin is not that type of person. He is like a computer no emotions, no feelings.”
According to Boycheko, Trump’s peace talks and high-profile meetings including his summer summit with Putin in Alaska have only given Russia time to regroup while Ukraine suffers. He believes Trump is “afraid” to condemn Putin outright, suggesting the Russian leader may have leverage over him.
Instead, Boycheko says only Chinese President Xi Jinping has the influence to force an immediate end to the war. “If Xi told Putin that China would stop supporting Russia’s economy, Moscow would have no choice but to leave Ukraine,” he said.
Boycheko views the war not as a local conflict but as part of a wider global struggle between democracies and autocracies. In his analysis, Russia is now China’s “little brother,” acting as a proxy in Beijing’s larger contest with the West.
He also urged European nations not to rely solely on the United States. “Britain, Germany, and France must step up with their own defense strategies, weapons production, and stronger sanctions,” he argued. One key measure he recommends is targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, which helps fund Moscow’s war despite sanctions.
Ultimately, Boycheko predicts that Russia’s downfall will come not on the battlefield but from within. He pointed out that the Soviet Union collapsed because of inflation and economic strain. With the war costing Russia an estimated $1 billion a day, he believes financial pressure will eventually spark unrest at home.
Still, Boycheko sees hope if Western leaders act decisively. “This war will end. The only question is how soon. If the West hits Putin where it hurts his wallet it could end much faster. If not, Ukraine faces a long and painful struggle.”
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