As the world understandably focuses on the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war shifts to a fulcrum moment. This new juncture provides President Trump with an opportunity to prove that he is still, indeed, a president for peace. He can reaffirm to his base, and to the world, that he is the negotiator-in-chief who brokers diplomatic solutions across the globe, including the historic Abraham Accords.
Regarding the Trump base, polling shows that only 38% of Republican voters now believe that the war vs. Iran will conclude in the days or weeks to come. Moreover, 37% of GOP voters oppose any ground troops in Iran.
So, opportunity beckons in the Black Sea region.
In a recent breakout interview by the Associated Press of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former top military commander of Ukraine, provides startling revelations regarding his battles with Zelensky – and the relevance for the future of postwar Ukraine.
Although unknown to most Americans, General Zaluzhnyi remains the most popular and admired man in Ukraine. During his wartime command of Ukrainian forces, he increasingly disagreed with President Zelensky on tactics. Consequently, Zaluzhnyi was ultimately fired and sent into de facto honorable exile as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.
As revealed by the general-turned-ambassador in this interview, at the height of the war, Zelensky sent investigators from the Ukrainian security service (SBU) to raid the offices of Zaluzhnyi and the military high command. As the AP reports, “Zaluzhnyi alleges that the previously unreported incident was an act of intimidation. It risked exposing their rivalry at a time when national unity was paramount.”
Zaluzhnyi was so alarmed at this affront that he threatened to use force to repel the security services of Zelensky. He phoned that response to Andriy Yermak, former Zelensky chief of staff, who stood down. Yermak was later fired in the massive “Operation Midas” scandal that involved top aides of Zelensky stealing millions of dollars from the wartime public treasury of Ukraine.
For comparison, imagine if, during World War II, FDR had ordered an FBI raid on the headquarters of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower … while he led the Allied forces? It’s an unthinkable act. Yet in Ukraine, such abuses unfolded as the country battled for survival.
Given this backdrop, the Ukrainian people deserve a long-delayed election so they can render their own verdict on Zelensky and the many allegations of corruption that swirl around their leader. But that plebiscite requires a ceasefire and, hopefully, a full peace treaty. Only sustained pressure from President Trump can compel such a deal.
American envoy Steve Witkoff has worked tirelessly to find a breakthrough to the impasse. After months of shuttle diplomacy, that resolution now seems within reach, especially with Russia’s recent reported consent to an American security guarantee for a postwar Ukraine.
Getting America out of this quagmire conflict remains very popular domestically. In my latest poll of battleground North Carolina, a military-heavy state, voters were asked the U.S. should “disengage” from the conflict if the two parties cannot reach a peaceful settlement within months. By a wide +19% margin, voters said “yes” (50-31%). Among Gen Z young adults, the spread to disengage soars to +42%. In fact, only Democratic voters are split on the issue, at 40-40%. Republicans want America to extricate by +48% and independents by +11%.
So, Trump can effectively achieve two crucial goals simultaneously. First, secure the historic diplomatic end to the war, the outcome he has long promised. Second, assure his American base of supporters that he remains committed to an America First foreign policy of realism and restraint, even with a recent aggressive posture elsewhere.
In the realms of geopolitics and domestic public opinions, such fulcrum moments are rare. But the Russia-Ukraine war presents an opportunity for President Trump to regain his stature as the “president of peace.” As such, it is imperative that President Trump and his team seize this moment and apply all appropriate pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to reach an armistice.
Once that peace is secured, the Ukrainian people must render their “verdict” on Zelensky and which leader they will choose to lead a postwar Ukraine.
Steve Cortes is president of the League of American Workers and advisor to Catholic Vote. He directs political campaigns on media, polling, and Hispanic outreach, including Trump 2016/2020 and Vance 2022 U.S. Senate. He is a former broadcaster for Fox News and CNN.
Cross-tabs: League of American Workers Survey — North Carolina
👉 Show & Tell 🔥 The Signals
I. Energy Stocks Surge While Markets Fall
Energy stocks are sharply outperforming in 2026. Equinor (+80%), Petrobras (+75%), and Occidental (+61%) are leading gains, while the broader market is down, with the S&P 500 off about 7%.
The divergence highlights how oil and gas are benefiting from geopolitical shocks, even as the rest of the market struggles.
II. China Dominates Global Nuclear Buildout
Nuclear power is expanding worldwide, but growth is heavily concentrated. Of the 75 reactors under construction globally, China alone accounts for 38, more than the rest of the world combined.
The trend signals a shift in energy investment toward Asia, with China leading the next phase of nuclear expansion.
📊 Market Mood — Wednesday, April 1, 2026
🟩 Stocks Rise on Hopes of U.S. Exit from Iran War
U.S. futures climbed as signs grew that Washington may soon wind down its Middle East campaign.
🟧 Oil Falls Below $100 on De-Escalation Signals
Crude dropped sharply as traders priced in a potential easing of supply disruptions.
🟦 Risk Sentiment Improves as War Exit Nears
Markets rallied as investors responded to signs of diplomatic progress despite lingering uncertainty.
🟨 Gold Gains as Dollar Weakens and Volatility Persists
Bullion rose alongside a softer dollar, reflecting ongoing hedging amid geopolitical uncertainty.
🗓️ Key Economic Events — Wednesday, April 1, 2026
🟧 08:15 ET — ADP Employment Change (Mar)
Private payrolls report offering an early read on labor market trends ahead of official jobs data.
🟧 08:30 ET — Retail Sales & Core Retail Sales (Feb)
Key indicators of consumer spending, a major driver of U.S. economic growth.
🟧 09:45 ET — S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Mar)
Flash reading on factory activity and business conditions.
🟧 10:00 ET — ISM Manufacturing PMI & Prices (Mar)
Widely followed gauge of manufacturing health and inflation pressures within the sector.
🟧 10:30 ET — Crude Oil Inventories
Weekly data on U.S. stockpiles, influencing energy prices and inflation expectations.
🟧 21:00 ET — U.S. President Trump Speaks
Remarks may provide updates on geopolitical developments and economic policy direction.
editor-tippinsights@technometrica.com
