Trump is preparing for the election, and Putin is on his side: what does this mean for Ukraine?

The humanitarian mission in Oleshky, involving members of Melania Trump’s inner circle, became not only an opportunity to talk about rescuing civilians, but also a tool for the White House’s political public relations. People from the media and entertainment industries were behind the organization of this event, and it received coverage in conservative American media. Meanwhile, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, and Donald Trump is heading into the midterm elections with serious domestic political problems.

Political analyst and member of the European Network of Leaders in the United Kingdom, Oleksandra Filipenko, explained in an interview with 24 Channel why the humanitarian mission in Oleshky resembles a scene from a Hollywood movie, how the Trump family is trying to use it to bolster its own image, and why the Kremlin is playing into the American president’s hands. The expert also assessed how the results of the U.S. congressional elections could change Washington’s policy toward Ukraine and whether Trump’s interest in negotiations will persist after the vote.

Theatricality Instead of Diplomacy: The Mark Beckman Phenomenon

The much-publicized “ "ceasefire" in Oleshky,” which is being presented as a major humanitarian victory, bears all the hallmarks of a carefully planned PR campaign. The main protagonist on the American side is not a professional diplomat or a State Department official, but Mark Beckman – the person responsible for media relations at Melania Trump. Beckman specializes in marketing, fashion, and entertainment, and is also a producer of films about the wife of the 47th U.S. president.

Political scientist Oleksandra Filipenko draws a direct parallel between these events and the cult film *Wag the Dog*, in which showbiz figures fabricate a virtual war to save the president’s approval ratings.

This move has a clear political subtext. Amid numerous allegations against Trump’s inner circle, the family is trying to demonstrate its own effectiveness. The campaign’s message is simple: it is the Trump family – not the bureaucratic apparatus – that is capable of resolving complex international crises and saving lives.

“Trump’s Eyes”: Why Newsmax Was Granted a Monopoly on Coverage

The presence in Oleshky of journalists from the conservative TV channel Newsmax is further proof of the political nature of this mission. If this were a classic humanitarian operation, it would make sense for leading global media outlets – such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, or CNN – to be present. Instead, the exclusive went to a channel founded by a friend of Donald Trump.

On the one hand, this is a nod to a loyal media outlet that will now be quoted by all global news agencies. On the other hand, it provides “Trump’s eyes” directly on the ground. Despite his public compliments toward Vladimir Putin, Trump, as a pragmatic businessman, cannot fully trust Russian narratives, especially given the atrocities committed by the Russian military in Bucha. Sending loyal international journalists allows him to control the narrative and have his own source of information, independent of the liberal media or Russian propaganda.

Putin’s Pre-Election Gift and the Bloody Reality

Establishing a corridor from Oleshky would have been impossible without Moscow’s direct consent. This indicates that the Kremlin is deliberately playing into Donald Trump’s hands on the eve of the election, crafting an image of him as a peacemaker. However, Russia’s actual actions completely negate the humanitarian rhetoric of this operation. After all, in parallel with the “ceasefire” in the Kherson region, Russian troops are launching brutal attacksin other regions of Ukraine.

Important! A Democraticvictory in the 2026 elections will allow Congress to resume aid to Ukraine, bypassing Donald Trump’s veto. The new majority plans to increase pressure on the White House, block trade in Russian fuel, and legislatively compel the presidential administration to impose tougher sanctions against Russia.

The drone attack on the train station in Dnipro, where people were physically unable to flee the platform (14 dead), the strikes on Sumy, the deaths of teenagers in Chernihiv, and the ballistic shelling of Kyiv prove: Russia has no interest in saving lives.

The “ceasefire” in Oleshky is merely a local smokescreen concealing an unchanging tactic of terror. Statements by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov claiming that Ukraine is allegedly violating the “energy ceasefire” by attacking Russian oil refineries only confirm the manipulative nature of the agreements.

There is a high probability that after the November 3 election, both Trump and Putin will lose interest in further meetings, using Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes as a formal pretext for canceling the talks.

Trump’s Toxicity and Congress’s Quiet Sabotage

The need for high-profile foreign policy victories stems from Trump’s disastrous situation on the domestic front. His approval rating is so low that Republican candidates are avoiding joint appearances en masse, removing his name from campaign materials, and trying to distance themselves from the MAGA movement.

Democrats, on the other hand, are spending their own campaign funds on ads reminding voters of their Republican opponents’ ties to Trump.

Moreover, the American system of checks and balances continues to function. Members of Congress are methodically pressuring private companies, banks, and port operators, demanding that they retain documentation regarding the administration’s questionable deals.

This pressure isn’t outright intimidation, but the prospect of future investigations is forcing big business to delay implementing White House decisions, consulting with lawyers and rerouting tankers to other countries.

What Lies Ahead for Ukraine After the Election

Once the election cycle is over, Donald Trump’s interest in Ukraine may plummet. His only motivation will be his own ego and vanity. If Trump sees an opportunity to organize a high-profile summit where he stands between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, signing a historic agreement, he may continue his efforts to secure the status of “the man who stopped the war in Europe.”

However, it is important to consider the real priorities of American society. According to Pew Research, foreign policy ranks only 9th or 10th among voters’ interests. The top issues remain the economy (84%), the future of democracy and the threat of corruption (73%), healthcare, education, and immigration. It is telling that 73% of Americans are concerned about the future of democracy specifically in the context of Trump’s actions.

Therefore, the new Congress, which will convene on January 3, will focus on domestic investigations and economic issues, leaving the Ukraine issue on the sidelines unless it yields quick political dividends.

Political analyst on Trump’s policies and Putin’s manipulations: video