Former Ambassador Gordon Sondland argues that President Volodymyr Zelensky must shift Ukraine's diplomatic approach to align with President Donald Trump's broader strategic objectives, particularly regarding the long-term threat posed by China. In an opinion piece, Sondland contends that the United States faces a dual challenge from Russia and China, but views Beijing as the more consequential long-term competitor due to its industrial capacity and financial resources. He describes Trump's strategy as an attempt to rearrange the global strategic chessboard, requiring a reduction in American resources dedicated to European security so they can be redirected toward deterring China.
Sondland asserts that Europe remains too dependent on American military capabilities, intelligence, and logistics to contain Russia independently. He states that every resource consumed by the conflict with Moscow is unavailable for addressing threats from Beijing. Consequently, he argues that Trump is attempting to create conditions where Russia becomes economically engaged rather than a permanent adversary, viewing this as a form of strategic triage. Sondland claims that Putin seeks economic benefits and territorial advantages, and that Trump is positioned to offer the former while making the latter prohibitively expensive.
The former ambassador advises Zelensky to stop approaching Washington with a list of demands and instead ask how Ukraine can help accomplish Trump's broader goals while protecting its sovereignty. Sondland emphasizes that Trump conducts foreign policy through personal relationships and that proximity matters for influence. He cites the late diplomat George Ball's observation that "Nothing propinks like propinquity," suggesting that Zelensky needs constant communication with Trump to build trust and access. This includes discussing battlefield updates, sharing intelligence, and maintaining personal familiarity, which Sondland argues is essential for navigating Trump's fluid decision-making process.
Sondland also addresses the intersection of American domestic politics and foreign policy, noting that Trump needs Republicans to retain control of the Senate in November. While advising against Zelensky intervening in the election, he suggests that Ukraine should create conditions making continued American support easier to defend by demonstrating that its success contributes to Trump's political success. He warns that a temporary diesel arrangement or sanctions reprieve is not normalization but a tactic, requiring verifiable Russian behavior and meaningful consequences for renewed aggression.
The piece concludes by stating that the ultimate goal is a Europe capable of self-defense and a Russia with incentives to stay within its borders. Sondland asserts that neither leader needs to abandon their interests but both must understand the other's constraints. He posits that transactional diplomacy requires Zelensky to help Trump succeed in his geopolitical mission while ensuring Ukraine's survival is part of that success, and for Trump to provide Zelensky with reasons to trust that cooperation will not cost him his country.