Trump's Son, Russian Gas, and Billions in Jeopardy: What Business Ties with Russia Are Hiding

Russian money may be hidden behind high-profile American business projects, and Washington’s decisions may have consequences that extend far beyond the United States. Amid scandals surrounding Donald Trump’s family, the “Russian diesel” scandal, and companies subject to sanctions, the question arises as to whether the Kremlin is using financial ties to undermine support for Ukraine.

Journalist and psychologist Larisa Voloshina explained in an interview with 24 Channel which scandals in Trump’s inner circle could influence U.S. sanctions policy, why Putin is interested in Russia’s return to European markets, and how the situation in Oleshky and Crimea could affect the further course of the war.

The Illusion of American Salvation: How Russia Bought the Trump Family

The real escalation of the situation surrounding Ukraine is taking place not on the battlefield, but in the political corridors of the U.S. According to Larisa Voloshina, Russia has allegedly bought former U.S. President Donald Trump, and this claim is now the subject of serious investigations.

U.S. congressmen and senators are already preparing extensive investigations into the so-called “"diesel deal".” The incoming chairs of House committees have sent a joint letter to U.S. banks and ports demanding that they preserve all documents related to the Russian diesel fuel, warning of an imminent Senate investigation.

Even more sensational is the scandal surrounding Trump’s son. Through a college classmate, he founded a company that allegedly received funds from Abu Dhabi to build a natural gas liquefaction plant. However, in September, the company’s entire management team resigned and contacted U.S. prosecutors.

It turned out that the funding and equipment were not provided by Arab investors, but by the Russian company “Novatek,” which is subject to strict sanctions. Management decided to take preemptive action to avoid going to jail in place of the Trump family.

At the same time, an “ the scandal surrounding Jared Kushner ” is unfolding regarding bribes from Arab funds during Trump’s first term. American experts emphasize that if the president’s decisions (such as lifting sanctions or withdrawing from the nuclear deal) were driven by the family’s commercial interests, Trump is not protected by presidential immunity. This is no longer simply corruption, but working for a foreign government, which constitutes espionage.

Moreover, Trump’s allies have already directly undermined sanctions policy. Vivek Ramaswamy, known for his anti-Ukrainian statements, eliminated departments within the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of the Treasury that were responsible for monitoring sanctions compliance.

As a result, two-thirds of the components in Russian precision-guided missiles are now of American origin. The U.S. is the only country capable of monitoring sanctions compliance worldwide, and it is precisely this mechanism that has been deliberately dismantled.

Full interview with Larisa Voloshina: watch the video

Why Putin Pays for the Deaths of Ukrainians but Doesn’t Believe in Surrender

Despite financial contributions to American politicians, Putin is well aware of Trump’s limited capabilities. Trump cannot achieve peace or force Ukraine to surrender. His mission, paid for by the Kremlin, is to inflict targeted harm on Ukraine by delaying the delivery of missiles or other weapons.

In fact, Putin is paying Trump for the deaths of Ukrainians by funding him through shadow accounts and contracts worth billions.

However, the Russian dictator’s main goal is not simply to drag out the war, but to lift European sanctions. Trump is too expensive for Putin; he constantly needs money, while the Russian economy can obtain real resources exclusively from European markets.

The U.S. is unable to lift EU sanctions. That is precisely why Putin is forced to seek direct contacts with Europe, hoping to bribe European leaders using the same scheme that worked with Trump.

The European trap and the collapse of Russian intelligence operations

Calls from the Leaders of Finland and Norway to Putin is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, they reflect a coordinated pan-European position that was formed even during the pressure campaign against Viktor Orbán: no lifting of sanctions without a ceasefire and the provision of comprehensive security guarantees to Ukraine. Europe is sending a clear signal to the Kremlin: ultimatums regarding the seizure of the Donbas no longer work.

Putin’s attempts to rely on loyal politicians within the EU are also failing. A telling leak occurred in Germany: hackers breached Sara Wagenknecht’s correspondence, revealing evidence of funds received from a Swiss foundation with Russian ties and instances of bribery.

Based on these revelations, German intelligence agencies have already launched a criminal investigation, and political circles are seriously discussing the possibility of banning the “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) party as a spy organization.

Moscow’s traditional allies are also beginning to distance themselves. Viktor Orbán unexpectedly refrained from challenging the election results, while Aleksandar Vučić remains silent. Those whom Putin might have bribed are gradually fading into the background, leaving the Kremlin in geopolitical isolation.

Tactical Maneuvers: Oleshky and the Future of Crimea

Against the backdrop of strategic failures, Russia is forced to take localized tactical steps, such as the “ An unprecedented ceasefire in Oleshky ” to evacuate the population. According to Voloshina, the occupiers have long used local residents as human shields, firing from their yards and provoking humanitarian crises. The evacuation of civilians – even to Russian territory – is a positive step, as it will free up the Ukrainian military to destroy the occupying forces that are terrorizing Kherson.

At the same time, cutting off electricity to Crimea is critical for disrupting Russian military logistics. Without electricity, the operation of military bases and hospitals, as well as the transport of weapons, becomes impossible. This is a direct preparation for the future de-occupation of southern Ukraine.

After the liberation of the peninsula, Ukraine must take a tough stance against collaborators and Russians who have illegally resettled in Crimea. Voloshyna proposes drawing on Croatia’s experience: do not encourage the return of traitors, but after a certain period of time, use state funds to buy back the property they abandoned for a nominal fee. Those who attempt to return in person should face criminal charges for collaboration and illegal border crossing. State policy must be clear: supporters of the occupation regime must leave Ukrainian territory permanently.