Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he met with leaders from American think tanks to discuss the Ukraine-Russia conflict and potential peace options.
He mentioned that multiple organisations are currently collaborating with Ukrainian officials and the military to create strategies.
“We value this and rely on ongoing support,”
he stated.
The Ukrainian leader went on to thank participants for what he called “a meaningful discussion and insightful ideas,” also voicing gratitude for “sincere support” for Ukraine and its people.
What did Zelenskyy discuss with the US president?
Zelenskyy spent approximately 2.5 hours at the White House, where he and his team met President Donald Trump and several US Cabinet members. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy virtually briefed European leaders and subsequently addressed the press.
Zelenskyy described the meeting with the two leaders as “productive” and mentioned they discussed various topics, including long-range weapons.
However, he declined to elaborate on the issue of Tomahawk missiles, which Kyiv is requesting, citing the US’s concern about “escalation.” When asked by a reporter if he was hopeful that the US would agree to supply the weapons, he replied that he was “realistic.”
How are American think tanks shaping Ukraine’s strategy?
According to unconfirmed reports, U.S. think tanks have substantially influenced the strategic narratives, policy proposals, and public discourse around the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They operate as informal epistemic communities that connect state power, corporate interests, and public opinion while producing real-time strategic guidance and ideological frames that justify and support U.S. involvement in the war.
Creating issue-framing and discourse that affect US government policy, media coverage, and perceptions by international partners, sometimes in advancing long-term US strategic goals in the region.
Facilitating comprehensive proposals for peaceful settlements designed to bring about ceasefires, security assurances, and political design regimes for both Ukrainian and Russian concerns. Examples would include proposals for Ukraine’s non-membership in NATO in exchange for a pathway for EU accession or legally guaranteed rights for Russians in Ukraine through its constitution.
