“The Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy and Its Impact on the Future of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict” was the title of the joint scientific lecture organized by the center.
In this joint scientific lecture, hosted by our center, Dr. Mohammed Kadhem Al-Maini examined the latest developments in Trump’s policy toward the Russia-Ukraine war, with a particular focus on their implications for Ukraine. He analyzed Trump’s strategic approach to leveraging the conflict for political and economic gain, specifically his reported attempts to pressure Ukraine into signing a rare minerals agreement with his administration as a condition for resolving the war. Furthermore, Dr. Al-Maini discussed claims that Trump signaled approval for Russia to retain the Ukrainian territories it has occupied in exchange for Moscow reducing its support for Iran and Syria.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mazen Qasim Al-Shamsi presented a research paper structured around two key themes:
The Historical Roots of Russia-Ukraine Tensions:
This section traced the long-standing geopolitical friction between Russia and Ukraine, beginning with their complex relationship under the Russian Empire, followed by the Soviet era, and culminating in the present-day conflict.
U.S. Support for Ukraine:
Dr. Al-Shamsi provided a comprehensive analysis of American financial, military, and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion. He highlighted the supply of advanced military equipment, including Patriot missile defense systems and Abrams tanks, as well as the diplomatic backing of Ukraine in international forums such as the United Nations. Additionally, he examined the impact of Russia’s suspension from key international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Human Rights Council, and the G7, as a direct consequence of U.S. pressure.
Dr. Al-Shamsi concluded that U.S. support for Ukraine is expected to persist, regardless of changes in the White House administration, albeit potentially at a reduced scale. He also emphasized the increasing role of diplomatic and negotiated settlements in the conflict, forecasting the likelihood of a temporary ceasefire in the near future, which, while pausing active hostilities, would not necessarily resolve the underlying geopolitical dispute. 
