Goldman Sachs Insider: Trump’s Hands Tied on Russia Strategy

As President Donald Trump charts a cautious course in response to Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine, speculation has mounted over the motivations behind his restraint. Is it fear of escalation with Moscow, or is the former president simply constrained by the limited tools at his disposal? A recent analysis shared by investment banking professionals from New York and London sheds light on the practical and geopolitical factors shaping Trump’s approach. Drawing from insider perspectives at Goldman Sachs and the London financial sector, the commentary outlines why major punitive steps—such as secondary sanctions, advanced weapons transfers, or oil price manipulation—may be politically risky, militarily ineffective, or economically damaging. Their views offer a sobering counterpoint to calls for more aggressive U.S. action and suggest that any substantial shift in strategy may hinge on diplomatic developments in Istanbul or a further escalation in Russian airstrikes. Here is an interesting opinion from a Goldman Sachs investment banker on the reasons behind Trump's current policy on Russia: “Some people think Trump is afraid of Putin, which is why he’s doing nothing. Unfortunately, he practically has no levers of influence.