We must not worry about what Trump says, but observe his actions - expert

RIGA - We should not worry about what the newly elected US President Donald Trump says, but look at what he actually does, said Elina Vroblevska, researcher at the Center for East European Policy Studies and lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Riga Stradins University, in an interview with Latvian Radio.

Commenting on Trump's attitude and statements so far on Russia's war in Ukraine, the expert expressed doubts that it would be in the new US president's interest to turn his back on Ukraine, as this would allow Russia to gain the upper hand in the conflict and make him look weak himself. "He certainly doesn't want that," Vroblevska said.

She concludes that the main tactic to influence Trump is to "push his ego" and appeal to his voters, because Trump "wants to be at the top of his game" and live up to expectations. "And the expectations are not only about what he will do, but also about how he will behave and what will be the image of the US and also of the President," said the university lecturer.

She therefore predicts that Trump "will continue to be a loud, extremely controversial president" who will cause a lot of ripples both internationally and in domestic political groups.

As reported, Trump made loud remarks at a press conference this week about the possible annexation of Greenland and Canada to the United States and regaining control of the Panama Canal, as well as renaming the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump also announced this week that he is to meet Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. On the Russian-led war in Ukraine, Trump has previously said he could end it "within 24 hours", but recently he has been more low-key on the issue, no longer promising such quick solutions.

Kyiv fears that US aid to Ukraine would be drastically cut after Trump takes office. In his New Year address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Washington not to cut aid to Ukraine.

Trump is due to be inaugurated as US President on January 20.