With Donald Trump’s re-election, Ukraine may soon face a significant shift in U.S. support, potentially impacting its ongoing war with Russia.
Throughout his campaign, Trump and his vice president-elect, JD Vance, expressed skepticism about sustaining extensive U.S. aid to Kyiv, as the conflict with Russia extends past the two-and-a-half-year mark. Trump’s remarks have also hinted at a possible push for a negotiated truce, which could leave Ukraine with difficult choices.
This election result arrives at a challenging time for Ukraine. Russia is pressing forward in the eastern Donbas region, where President Vladimir Putin seeks complete control. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi described the front-line conditions as “difficult,” with several areas requiring “constant replenishment of resources” for Ukrainian troops, according to a statement he shared on Telegram Saturday morning.
Additionally, Russia is reportedly increasing its forces with North Korean soldiers. According to U.S. officials, about 10,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, with expectations they may join the fight against Ukraine soon.
During President Biden’s administration, the U.S. provided substantial aid to Ukraine, including military supplies and budgetary support amounting to tens of billions of dollars. In Biden’s final weeks, the administration is focused on delivering as much support as possible to Kyiv before Trump assumes office.
Donald Trump has frequently expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin and openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has a complicated past. Trump’s attempts in 2019 to pressure Zelensky to investigate his political rivals by leveraging U.S. military aid led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Following Trump’s recent election victory, Zelensky extended his congratulations, acknowledging Trump’s stance on “peace through strength.” In a social media post, Zelensky wrote, “We look forward to a strong United States under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We trust in continued bipartisan support for Ukraine from the United States,” adding that Ukraine is keen on building mutually beneficial political and economic ties.
Trump has often asserted that the Ukraine-Russia war wouldn’t have happened if he’d been in office and has pledged to bring the conflict to an end swiftly. In July, he claimed he could settle it in a single day, and he has suggested he’d act even before officially returning to office.
At an August debate, Trump avoided a clear commitment to Ukraine’s victory over Russia. By September, he suggested Ukraine should have “given up a little bit” to Moscow to avoid the devastating conflict. “Any deal, even the worst deal, would have been better than what we have now,” he remarked, adding that “they would have given up a little bit and everybody would be living.”
Soon after, Trump met with Zelensky in New York, emphasizing his intention to negotiate a fair outcome for both parties. “We have a very good relationship, and I also have a very good relationship with President Putin,” Trump noted. “If we win, we’ll get this resolved quickly. I think long before January 20, we can work out a solution that’s beneficial for both sides. It’s time.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has developed a strategic “victory plan” aimed at bringing an end to the conflict with Russia, emphasizing that any negotiations should come from a “position of strength.” At a press conference in late October, he stated, “Trump talks a lot, but I didn’t hear him say he would reduce support for Ukraine.” Zelensky noted that, during their September meeting, he and Trump discussed in detail the future of the Ukraine-U.S. partnership, Ukraine’s Victory Plan, and approaches to halting Russian aggression.
However, in an interview with South Korea’s KBS, Zelensky admitted there’s some uncertainty, acknowledging that “the next US president may strengthen or weaken support for Ukraine.” He warned that a reduction in U.S. support would allow Russia to seize more territory and impede Ukraine’s victory. Zelensky clarified that while Ukraine isn’t seeking territorial compromises, it is open to exploring diplomatic solutions that hinge on continued American commitment. “A genuine desire from the United States to end this war swiftly is crucial,” he emphasized.
In anticipation of any shifts in U.S. policy, the Biden administration and allies have taken steps to secure long-term support for Ukraine. NATO has announced plans to establish a mission to coordinate military aid and training for Ukraine, led in large part by the U.S. Additionally, the U.S. committed $20 billion toward the G7’s $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, a fund also supported by frozen Russian assets. This multilateral approach seeks to safeguard Ukraine’s resources and defense regardless of changes in U.S. leadership.
SOURCE: CNN
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