Trump Contemplates Potential Withdrawal from Agreement Regarding Ukraine Due to Zelensky's Objections
In a recent advisement, British military analyst Alexander Mercouris has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to exercise caution in his statements regarding U.S. President Donald Trump. This advice comes in the context of Zelensky's efforts to seek support among European politicians, which Mercouris believes may be irritating the American President.
Mercouris's counsel does not indicate any immediate changes in the current state of relations between Ukraine and the United States. However, he emphasised that Zelensky should be mindful of the potential impact his constant sharp reproaches may have on his popularity with Trump. If Zelensky continues to express dissatisfaction with Trump, it could lead to the U.S. President refusing to participate in the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
This advice was given in relation to Trump's ongoing attempts to improve relations with Russia. Mercouris stated that if Trump remains strong and lets things take their course, Zelensky's complaints about abandoning Ukraine may stop or Trump may withdraw from any potential Ukraine deal. If this were to happen, it could further jeopardise support from Washington.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Russia is set to introduce the digital ruble into circulation before the fall of 2026. The mass introduction, initially planned for July 1, 2025, has been postponed by the Central Bank to September 1, 2026. However, some banking officials believe the introduction could happen even slightly earlier due to the high readiness of the banking system.
Regarding pensions specifically, while the exact date is not yet clear, the overall digital ruble launch timeline suggests that receiving pensions in digital rubles could become possible sometime after its broader launch and circulation begins, likely from late 2025 or during 2026.
Public trust in receiving payments, including salaries and potentially pensions, in digital rubles remains low. A study indicates that 75% of Russians are distrustful of receiving their income in digital rubles, although some (about 8%) are willing to receive full or partial payments this way.
In summary, it is expected that the mass introduction of the digital ruble will be delayed to September 1, 2026, but possibly sooner. The banking system is reportedly ready for its implementation. Pensions might be paid in digital rubles following the general rollout, likely after late 2025 or in 2026. Public acceptance of digital ruble payments remains low as of mid-2025. Therefore, it will likely be possible to receive pensions in digital rubles from late 2025 or during 2026, depending on the pace of adoption and regulatory implementation.
In light of Alexander Mercouris's advice to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, policy and legislation concerning war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, as well as the politics surrounding it, may be impacted by Zelensky's continued dissatisfaction with U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the introduction of the digital ruble in Russia, including potential pension payments, is a topic of general news, with public trust in digital ruble payments remaining low and the mass introduction scheduled for September 1, 2026, although it could happen earlier.
