Part 4/8:
Ritter asserts that the pivot in Trump’s approach to Ukraine is not merely reactionary but a strategic maneuver based on economic realities. He argues that the situation in Ukraine should not be framed as a strictly national security issue for the U.S. Instead, it should be viewed through an economic lens, which very much aligns with Trump's business-oriented mindset.
In this context, Ritter mentions that recent discussions with key Russian officials, including Kirill Dmitriyev, have shifted the American narrative towards understanding the economic repercussions of sanctions and trade losses. While Ukraine might be regarded as a peripheral issue in Trump's broader foreign policy strategy, restoring U.S.-Russia economic ties represents a more significant objective.