The problem is deeper than the 'hand of the Kremlin': NISD names the true reasons for pro-Russian sentiments in the West.

The USA is analyzing the situation in Ukraine with a focus on Kremlin ideas

US President Donald Trump expresses views that are similar to those of the Kremlin and are supported by many voters of the Republican Party and residents of Southern countries. This was stated by Vyacheslav Potapenko, deputy director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, in an interview with the FREEДОМ TV channel.

My subjective opinion is this: the idea that Putin ordered everyone - Fico, Trump, Orban, and all the others, and thus the remnants of the KGB control everyone in the world, is a conspiracy theory. The situation is a bit worse here. The fact is that a significant portion of Republican Party voters, just like a significant portion of residents in Southern countries, view this situation from a different perspective. Their views largely coincide with Putin's position. They see Ukraine as part of the former Soviet Union and do not see the point in supporting the Ukrainian state.

These narratives have a wide range of supporters in various countries around the world, but they are not direct instructions from the FSB of the Russian Federation, the expert noted.

As of today, Trump, who proclaims these narratives, holds the position of president of the USA. This is beneficial for the Kremlin, as the support of European countries alone will not provide Ukraine with the necessary support against the Russian Federation, especially in such a situation. In the coming years, we should not expect changes in the USA's approach to Ukraine.

Potapenko also noted that Putin had to change his rhetoric and goals. In recent years, he has shifted from 'victorious war' to fighting the USA and other countries, from a small 'victorious war' to fighting with Democrats and supporting Southern countries. Potapenko noted that Putin has adapted more to the sentiments of Southern countries and conservative voters in the USA and Europe, and did not support them.