"We cannot shift all problems onto America and place all hopes on America. Donald Trump will come and restore order, right? It won't happen that way. I believe we are underestimating the risks. Yes, it was like before… it's a never-ending horror, so to speak, in terms of being constantly at war and the losses we experience. And a terrible end seems better than an endless horror… that also doesn't quite fit," said Chaly.
The former Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. expressed hope that the outcome will be "terrible" not for Ukraine, but for Putin.
"We all believe. I believe myself. Let me put it this way: Donald Trump is a fairly predictable person for me in terms of his ability to outmaneuver Putin, to outplay him. He won't be able to outplay Putin. He can only outmaneuver him through the strength of himself and his country. Well, and the coalition [of countries]," he stated.
Chaly assesses the likelihood of such a development at 50%.
"There are no guarantees anywhere. There are many diverse factors at play. Not everything depends on us. But the outcome will be this: as long as Ukraine remains a subject – I mean, as long as the Armed Forces, the people of Ukraine are fighting, as long as we haven't moved to a ceasefire, elections, and lifting sanctions, Ukraine is the key subject of this resolution. As soon as there is a ceasefire – Ukraine immediately drops out of those positions that our military are currently forming, even in defense. And in attack – we see constantly: it’s burning, it’s blazing from all sides. Especially regarding oil. I really like that," he emphasized.
According to the former ambassador of Ukraine, "Russia currently has a much greater deterioration dynamic than in previous years, and this year is also critical for them."
"We must not lose, including in conveying this idea to Americans, because the more Russians say: 'We are stronger than ever,' – the clearer it becomes that they are seriously lagging. And the Americans, I hope, know this," Chaly emphasized.