In this episode of ask ian, Ian Bremmer explains why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enters his latest White House meeting with President Trump in a stronger position than he did just a few months ago. "Trump is nothing if not recency biased and pragmatic," Ian says. Ian argues that Trump hasn't suddenly become more sympathetic toward Ukraine. With Kyiv seen as gaining leverage and Russia appearing more constrained, working more closely with Ukraine has become more politically and strategically attractive for President Trump. Despite those tensions, Ian argues Ukraine remains fundamentally different from Russia because public pressure continues to shape government decisions and democratic institutions remain intact.