Newsweek: Ukraine Has Been Dealt A Real Trump Card

Kyiv was able to learn from the Battle of Kursk.

Since the operation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region, and during that time, Kyiv’s position has changed significantly. This is reported by Newsweek.

The publication notes that in February 2025, Russian troops managed to almost completely drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. Against this backdrop, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to the then-recently elected U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting ended in a public clash between the leaders.

Now the situation looks different. Ahead of the visit by American negotiators, Kyiv, according to journalists’ assessments, is in a significantly stronger position. Although Newsweek assesses the likelihood of peace being achieved in the near future as “negligible,” Ukraine’s successes in launching long-range strikes against Russian territory may help Kyiv secure Trump’s support to increase pressure on Moscow.

Journalists note that the operation in the Kursk region was originally intended to turn the tide of the war in Ukraine’s favor. However, it ultimately ended in a “devastating defeat”: Ukrainian forces were forced to retreat from the region. According to the publication, both military and civilian observers criticized the operation, calling it “illogical” and “not worth the losses incurred.”

At the same time, according to Newsweek, Ukraine was able to learn lessons from the Kursk operation and now has a new tool for exerting pressure that does not require capturing, supplying, or holding territory. This refers to a campaign of long-range strikes against Russian territory.

The publication cites data from the independent monitoring center ACLED, according to which Ukrainian forces carried out three times as many strikes against Russia in July as they did in January.

At the same time, journalists warn that after the fall elections, Russia may announce a new partial mobilization. No matter how significant Ukraine’s technological advantage in long-range strikes may be, it cannot compensate for the shortage of personnel, ensure the interception of ballistic missiles, or stop Moscow from continuing to send more people to the front lines.

Nevertheless, it is precisely this long-range campaign that could become an additional trump card for Kyiv at the next meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump. Ukraine can leverage its successes to secure additional missiles for its Patriot systems, financial aid, and more active political support from the U.S.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com