Since taking office, Donald Trump has taken an increasingly antagonistic approach to Ukraine. He has paused military aid, accused the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, of being a dictator, attempted to force the country into giving up all its mineral resources and, in the eyes of some commentators, treated it like the instigator rather than the victim of the first war in Europe for 80 years.
However, there could be an ace in the hole for Ukraine, someone who could change the 47th President’s mind about siding with Vladimir Putin. This ace, suggest some commentators, could come in the form of Trump’s official personal spiritual advisor – Pastor Mark Burns.
Pastor Burns is a televangelist who has supported Trump since before his first presidency and has been in his corner for nearly 10 years. As Trump’s personal spiritual advisor, Pastor Burns holds an influential role in the president’s inner circle and thus his opinion is notable.
It is why Ukrainians may well feel more positive about their position when, having visited the likes of Bucha and Irpin, Pastor Burns called for the USA to up its involvement and donate tanks and F-35s to the country to repel Russian forces.
In a statement, he said: “These soldiers on the front lines are not asking for money. They are asking for 1,000 tanks, 300 F-35s, anti-air weapons to shoot down the drones that still fire at civilian buildings, and killing people.”
A rousing call from one of the people Trump trusts the most could raise hopes of a volte-face in Ukraine’s favour once the pastor returns to the White House. It is hoped that Pastor Burns might be able to change Trump's mind so that he seeks a Ukrainian victory rather than peace at all costs.
Commenting on the matter, the University of East London’s Professor John Strawson remarked on the significance of the pastor’s visit and how it could change Trump’s decision to pull back Ukrainian aid.
He told the Irish Star: “Rev Mark Burns is in a unique position offering advice to President Donald Trump. His visit to Ukraine to the areas near Kyiv including Bucha which were occupied by Russia at the beginning of the war will have been challenging given the appalling war crimes that were committed including murder, rape and torture.
“It is evident from his comments on social media that he has been affected by the civilian suffering.
"Significantly, he has referred to the continuing Russian attacks on civilian targets and has highlighted the need for more weapons - including fighter jets - on the front line to deter such attacks.
“Given that Putin has already made Trump 'angry' by first agreeing to a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea and then adding conditions, Burns comments may add to a change in attitude to the war.”
Whilst the visit may be positive, Professor Strawson said that, as with all things when it came to Trump, the world would have to wait and see.
He explained: “What that might mean in practice we will have to wait to see. However, The Ukrainians must feeling that the US position might be evolving to their advantage.”
Professor Strawson's comments came hours before Trump announced his 'Liberation Day' plans which saw major tariffs put on all major allies. The UK escaped the worst of the friendly fire, coming away with the lowest possible tariff level of 10 percent, although a 25 percent tariff on all car parts still applies.
Following the announcement, the UK has been encouraged to follow the European Union and reply with reciprocal tariffs of its own. However, government officials warn getting into a trade war could only make things worse. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky: "We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers.
"That's why, throughout the last few weeks, the government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.
"The US is our closest ally, so our approach is to remain calm and committed to doing this deal, which we hope will mitigate the impact of what has been announced today.
"We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act. We will continue to engage with UK businesses including on their assessment of the impact of any further steps we take."
