(LONDON) – Former United States special envoy to Ukraine, Ambassador Kurt Volker, has stated that the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, is aware that the ongoing war in Ukraine is a losing proposition. Speaking on Times Radio, Volker suggested that the Kremlin leader feels forced to continue the conflict because a defeat would result in the total loss of his power and influence. Volker argued that the world is not moving in Russia’s direction, yet the Russian dictator remains convinced he can manipulate United States President Donald Trump and divide the West.
The Russian dictator reportedly aims to undermine global democracy from within by supporting far right political parties and spreading disinformation through social media. Volker noted that dictators are inherently threatened by the prosperity of sovereign democracies. He explained that a successful, democratic Ukraine is viewed as a direct threat because it exposes the internal hollowing of the tyrannical regime in Moscow. Volker warned that Western leaders often become so preoccupied with their own political arguments that they fail to recognise democracy itself is the target of these attacks.
Volker compared the Russian dictator to a gambling addict who continues to play despite consistent losses, hoping each subsequent move will yield a breakthrough. This assessment comes as Russian military hardware has performed poorly against Western equipment. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces have shown superior innovation, particularly in adapting low cost technologies such as drones obtained from Iran. Volker highlighted that NATO has remained unified, increasing its membership to include Finland and Sweden while boosting overall defence spending. Global allies of the Kremlin, including the regimes in Venezuela, Syria, and Iran, are also facing increased pressure, indicating that Russia’s strategic position is weakening.
Regarding the political landscape in the United States, Volker expressed doubt that the upcoming midterm elections would fundamentally alter support for Ukraine. He predicted that while the Republicans may lose the House of Representatives, a large majority in both houses of Congress and among the public remains wary of Russia. Although President Trump has appeared solicitous of the Russian dictator, Volker suggested that this does not reflect a broad American consensus. He noted that if the president chose to end the war more quickly by increasing support for Ukraine, such a move would receive significant backing.
Volker observed that the Russian dictator has consistently dismissed serious proposals from President Trump, often dangling business deals that never materialise or launching attacks immediately after discussing ceasefires. In the Middle East, the Kremlin has supported the targeting of American bases to ensure Iranian success. Meanwhile, China has adopted a longer perspective, choosing not to interrupt while its rivals damage themselves. Volker noted that China remains independent of Russia and Iran, ready to benefit from cheap energy while portraying itself as a peaceful business partner compared to the warring Western powers.
The interview also touched on European strategic autonomy, which Volker described as a hollow concept due to a lack of actual military capabilities. He noted that the United Kingdom and Europe were caught unawares by the recent United States war against Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was reportedly placed in a difficult position, appearing to waffle while attempting to navigate a sudden conflict that the British public and military were not prepared for. Despite these tensions, Volker affirmed that the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom remains strong at the professional and diplomatic levels.
