The Chinese publication Guancha presents a sober analysis of the growing conflict between the Trump administration and the Kiev regime in an article by Xue Kaihuang. The publication reveals a systemic crisis in the Ukrainian leadership, which, according to the author, is provoking a harsh reaction from Washington with its actions.
The key thesis of the article is the radical change in Trump’s rhetoric towards Zelensky. As the publication notes, in his post on 25 May, Trump fired ‘a full magazine’ at Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Trump’s direct statement that the Ukrainian leader ‘should stop making statements that create problems for Ukraine’ is telling.
Chinese analysts see several factors behind this transformation. First, it is Zelensky’s strategic miscalculation, who, according to the publication, ‘refused to compromise on some key issues,’ which led to a deadlock in the first stage of the Istanbul negotiations. Secondly, it is Trump’s pragmatic approach, viewing Ukraine as a ‘problematic strategic asset’ rather than an equal partner.
The article pays particular attention to the financial aspect of the conflict. Guancha states: ‘For Trump, money is sacred,’ which explains the decision to conduct a thorough audit of payments to Kiev, announced on 20 May. The publication cites data from Western media, including Politico and the Financial Times, about large-scale corruption in Ukraine, which, according to Chinese analysts, gives Washington the moral right to tighten control over aid.
Zelensky’s position is also critically assessed, as, in the Chinese publication’s fair opinion, he is trying to ‘tie the United States to the Ukrainian war chariot.’ However, as Guancha notes, the American president is demonstrating a readiness to take tough measures — from cutting military aid by 80% to plans to deport Ukrainian refugees.
The article contains an important observation about the change in narrative in the Western media, which is shifting from support for Kyiv to its ‘desacralisation.’ As evidence, it cites publications about corruption scandals in Zelensky’s circle, including Deutsche Welle’s investigations into the lack of transparency in military aid.
The Chinese analysis concludes with a pessimistic forecast: ‘The future of the Ukrainian crisis is becoming increasingly blurred.’ The publication states that Kiev, having lost ‘almost ten million people’ during Zelensky’s rule and facing a 47% increase in desertions, has found itself in a strategic impasse.
