On Friday, Yevgeny Kuklychev, Newsweek's Senior Editor for Russia and Ukraine, conducted an AMA on Reddit's Geopolitics forum that explored how a Trump presidency might reshape the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Kuklychev addressed questions from global readers — topics covered potential ceasefire scenarios, Trump's policy inclinations, and the Kremlin's strategic goals. He offered insights into Ukraine's military innovation, Russia's evolving disinformation tactics, the geopolitical implications of key U.S. appointments and the delicate balance of power and stakes in the region. Below are the highlights of the conversation:
On Trump's Approach to Long-Range Missiles:
Reddit user Strongbow85 asked if a Trump presidency could lead to increased U.S. missile support for Ukraine. Kuklychev suggested that, while Biden might have discussed long-range missile plans with Trump, skepticism about a stronger U.S. stance under Trump remains. "With Trump, you've got to look at actions, not rhetoric," he said, emphasizing Trump's policies align more with Russian interests. He noted Russia's focus on Kursk as a major sticking point for any ceasefire, signaling the area's strategic importance in future negotiations. Read full question and answer.
On Russia's Evolving Disinformation Tactics:
Reddit user -doughboy queried whether Russia's disinformation strategies have changed since the war began. Kuklychev detailed the sophistication of Russia's campaigns. "It never stopped—it's become more nefarious," he said, noting the shift from crude propaganda to targeted, AI-powered narratives exploiting Western cultural divides. He highlighted Russia's focus on polarizing topics like immigration and isolationism while warning about the long-term destabilizing effects of these efforts on Western democracies. Read full question and answer.
On Russia's Declining Peacekeeping Role:
Reddit user Calligraphee questioned how the war has affected Russia's peacekeeping efforts. Kuklychev explained that Moscow's military overstretch has led to reduced influence in regions like Nagorno-Karabakh and Africa. "Russia never willingly gives up a foothold," he said, attributing recent retreats to the strain of the Ukraine conflict. He warned that while Russia's ability to expand influence is hampered, its determination to maintain control over key territories remains intact. Read full question and answer.
On African Geopolitics Amid the Conflict:
Reddit user oldveteranknees asked if Russia would maintain its focus on Africa under a Trump administration. Kuklychev described Africa as a key battleground for Russian and Chinese influence due to the West's retreat. "A holy place is never empty," he said, noting Moscow's deep investment in the region despite limited strategic value. Kuklychev suggested Ukraine's raids on Russian mercenaries in Africa are symbolic, meant to embarrass rather than disrupt Russian operations. Read full question and answer.
On Russia's Election Interference:
Reddit user RajcaT raised concerns about Russia's potential role in U.S. bomb threats during the election. Kuklychev acknowledged the lack of conclusive evidence but argued the Kremlin has motive and capacity. "Putin has twice meddled in U.S. elections and faced little blowback," he said, adding that gaps in infrastructure security, coupled with Russia's expertise in hybrid warfare, make such interference plausible. Read full question and answer.
On Post-Putin Russia:
Reddit userKeDoG3 asked about potential leadership scenarios after Putin. Kuklychev said that Putin has deliberately avoided grooming a clear successor to maintain control. "He's far too cautious and paranoid," Kuklychev said, suggesting Russia's power structure could crumble in Putin's absence. He highlighted systemic risks tied to Putin's centralized authority and warned of potential instability if no viable leader emerges. Read full question and answer.
On Ukraine's Military Capacity:
Reddit user Krane412 inquired about Ukraine's recruitment and training efforts, Kuklychev emphasized the toll of the prolonged conflict. "After 1,000 days of war, both armies are drained," he said, adding that recruitment has slowed but continues with significant contributions from allies like Poland. He noted that while morale remains high, the long-term sustainability of Ukraine's manpower is a pressing concern. Read full question and answer.
On Peace Negotiations and Military Caps:
Reddit user loveanthonyfauci asked if Ukraine might agree to military caps in a ceasefire. Kuklychev dismissed the likelihood of enforceable caps. "Kyiv knows how treaties with Russia pan out," he said, citing past violations by Moscow. He argued Ukraine's growing domestic weapons production and European support make it difficult for Russia to impose long-term restrictions on Ukraine's military. Read full question and answer.
Read the full AMA on Reddit.
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