Kostyantyn Prystayko analyzes: The US aims at diplomatic appearances, but sanctions remain a potent weapon on standby
According to former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko, the situation surrounding US-Russia relations is characterized by cautious strategies and diplomatic maneuvering on the part of Washington.
He notes that the United States has yet to fully deploy its sanctions mechanism against Russia, using sanctions more as a psychological tool rather than a tangible punitive measure.
In an interview with ZN.UA, he explained that America still keeps a kind of ‘reserve weapon’ — sanctions hanging like a gun on the wall, yet not applied at the first opportunity.
This reflects a diplomatic approach rooted in dialogue without initial ultimatums, he believes.
“They still believe that conflicts can be resolved without economic sanctions,” explains Prystayko.
“This shows their trust in diplomacy, especially in negotiation power and psychological influence.
Currently, Americans prefer diplomatic efforts first, resorting to tougher measures only if necessary,” he emphasizes.
He also stresses that it’s premature to discuss the balance of power or influence, as the US remains Ukraine’s most significant partner, and their primary goal is to explore diplomatic options for ending the war in Ukraine.
According to him, all these gestures of ‘touching shoulders’ and attempting to ‘look each other in the eye’ are more symbolic than practical, and each US administration passes through this phase quickly.
“Republicans especially move through it rapidly.
But each administration does this,” says Prystayko.
He suggests that perhaps these are just efforts to craft an image, implying that the US has cards to play if the situation escalates, but he sees no evidence they are prepared to use them now.
Furthermore, the report highlights that while Trump’s and Putin’s high-level meetings do not necessarily lead to concrete agreements, they remain symbolically significant and possibly serve as a platform for preventing escalation.
After a phone call with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that sanctions against Russia remain necessary, but only if Moscow agrees to the ‘three summit’ or sabotages efforts to end the war fairly, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic consensus and international unity.