This approach clearly reflects the prioritization of American interests. Support is not a "matter of morality" or a "duty of international order," but conditional, clearly a transaction.

The Russians perceive this shift as a sign that Washington is relieving itself of risk and transferring the cost of the Ukrainian issue to European allies, while at the same time maintaining control.

This strengthens Russia's position, as it can benefit from the weakening of the united Western support for Ukraine.

According to the British newspaper, Trump's foreign policy is characterized by a method called "radical uncertainty."

Essentially, the approach is to let friends and foes alike guess: Which statements are rhetorical? Which are actual decisions? With this logic, Trump aims to subdue others to his own "wants."

This tactic is doubly useful for Moscow for the following two reasons:

1) On one hand, it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for Ukraine and its supporters, it becomes harder for them to plan strategically when they don't know whether the United States will continue, reduce, or change direction.

2) On the other hand, Russia can operate more freely in this void, exploiting uncertainty to strengthen its position and negotiate from a position of power.

The relationship with Moscow and the messages to Russia

Russia's strategic patience - Winning everything for 4 reasons

2) It will exploit the ambiguity and "radical uncertainty" of the United States to gain political and negotiating advantages: stabilization of annexed territories, recognition of faits accomplis, creation (or acceptance) of Ukraine's demilitarization.

3) It will maintain pressure on the battlefield combined with diplomatic maneuvers, to strengthen its negotiating dominance, since the opponent appears less committed.