Experts: Trump won't force Ukraine to capitulate

Experts say US pressure on Ukraine has increased, but President Trump will not force President Zelensky to capitulate to Russia, and a potential meeting in China would not become "Yalta-2," according to analysts interviewed by DW. The experts argue the US lacks leverage to compel Kyiv into unfavorable agreements, noting reduced influence after Trump shifted from weapons transfers to sales via NATO countries. They link Trump's stance to upcoming November 3 midterm elections, where his Republican Party may lose congressional majorities amid economic issues. Analysts suggest Ukraine should continue strikes on Russian refineries as a negotiating tool, and predict Trump may soften his approach after the elections. A proposed China-Russia-US summit is seen as symbolic but unlikely to resolve the war, with experts advising European leaders to hold their own summit on Ukraine.