Sullivan Warns Trump Against Harming U.S. Interests

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has urged President-elect Donald Trump not to abandon military support for Ukraine, warning that accepting Russia’s terms could inflict long-term damage on America’s strategic interests.
Sullivan’s remarks align with an analysis by Dr. Mohammed Walid Youssef, head of ICGER. In a November 20, 2024, article titled “Putin Ushers in a New Nuclear Age,” Dr. Youssef highlighted the Biden administration’s decision to allow Kyiv to target deep within Russian territory using long-range U.S. weapons. He argued that this move aimed to undermine Trump’s future plans to end the war in Ukraine by framing any reduction in U.S. military aid as a sign of weakness and a betrayal of America’s historic military stature.
In a December 22, 2024, interview with CNN, Sullivan emphasized the importance of continued Republican support for Ukraine to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Republicans must send a clear signal to Russia that the United States and Europe will continue supporting Ukraine until fair terms are agreed upon,” Sullivan stated.
He added, “I believe Trump needs to maintain pressure. If we pull the rug out from under Ukraine, stop providing assistance, or accept any terms proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it would ultimately cause significant harm to America’s long-term interests.”[i]
Dr. Youssef had previously warned in his article that Biden’s administration and NATO allies sought to escalate the conflict in Ukraine to an irreversible point. He suggested that this strategy aimed to constrain Trump’s options upon taking office, making any efforts to cease military aid appear as American weakness and a capitulation to Moscow.
According to Dr. Youssef, this approach would leave Trump with no viable way to negotiate with Russia, forcing him to continue providing Ukraine with financial and military support.
[i] https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/22/world/video/gps1222-jake-sullivan-on-relations-with-russia-and-china