It's clear that the new U.S. administration views Ukraine as an obstacle while trying to assist Russia, according to Igal Levin.

Trump stated that Zelensky's rating is at 4%, which is undoubtedly complete nonsense. I already see comments like, "I'm not a fan of Ze, but now I'll vote for him just to see Trump's face." After such unfounded statements from the U.S. President, Zelensky's ratings will likely soar.

It is evident that the new U.S. administration, in an effort to save Russia, views Ukraine as an obstacle, particularly with Zelensky and his government. Let me remind you that a major war is currently ongoing, as the Western powers (and, of course, the U.S.) handed Ukraine over to Russia in 2022.

However, Zelensky did not flee like Ghani from Afghanistan or Assad from Syria; he remained in besieged Kyiv. The Ukrainian soldier delivered such a beating to the invading Russians that the entire regular Russian Armed Forces were caught off guard, necessitating a rapid mobilization of a couple of hundred thousand, recruiting masses of convicts, and purchasing semi-wild lumpens from the social bottom of Russia with mountains of diamonds.

This is a war — a war against the odds, not by design.

And this is precisely what frustrates the American leadership right now. Those who thrive on deals — the planners — love plans, agreements, schemes, and contracts. The deal between the West and Russia in February 2022 not only went off-script — it created a separate branch of alternative history.

Currently, Ukraine and its leadership need maximum strength.

Firstly, they should not yield to the demands of the U.S. or anyone else. As Moshe Dayan once said: "Americans offer us money, weapons, and advice. We take the money and weapons, but refuse the advice."

This is the same Moshe Dayan who was at the top of the Israeli army back when the U.S. imposed an arms embargo on Israel in the 1940s and 50s. Dayan knew this crowd well.

Ukraine can express great gratitude to the Americans for the assistance already provided and politely state that it does not need advice. It will decide how to fight, whom to choose, and what to do with Russia.

Secondly, Ukrainian society must unite — around its government, its state, and its army.

It's one thing when the Russians want to divide you — that's understandable, they are the enemies. But it's entirely different when "partners" (and these statements from Trump cannot be interpreted otherwise) try to sow division.

Unite not because the authorities are excellent or the state is perfect, but because there is no other option.

I remember in one of our courses, we were taught psychology and propaganda, and we learned one of the most important maxims, which I have remembered for life:

"If during a war someone criticizes (and calls for a change in!) your government, they are either an enemy or an ally of the enemy (or an idiot, which can sometimes be worse than an ally)."

As one of my Ukrainian friends, who is certainly not a fan of the current government, noted:

"Zelensky is certainly a scoundrel, but he is MY scoundrel. No American president will dare to speak against him."

And yes, Trump also noted that Russia is fighting at only 20% of its strength. I think such an assessment would even leave Putin and Gerasimov, along with all those Mikhail Naryshkins and their entire entourage, dumbfounded. It's such a level of nonsense that it’s awkward to comment on.