Trump victory: Potential shifts in US‑Europe relations and Ukraine

Dr. Krzysztof Winkler, an expert on international affairs at the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, discussed Donald Trump's potential victory in the upcoming US presidential election. He shared his predictions on what such an outcome might mean, including its implications for Ukraine.

The US presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024. Donald Trump is seeking to return to office. What could his potential victory mean for Europe?

We would need to see exactly what the priorities of the new administration will be; however, I suspect that there will not be a complete withdrawal of the USA from Europe, said Dr. Krzysztof Winkler, an expert on international affairs, in an interview.

He further stated that he expects the administration to place a "greater emphasis on cooperation with Nordic countries, the Baltic States, Poland, and Romania, and less on cooperation with Germany and the Czech Republic."

The expert was also asked whether Trump could somehow end the war in Ukraine.

This promise to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours is, of course, purely campaign rhetoric in Trump's style, he stated.

He also noted that after approving a $60 billion aid package, Democrats and Republicans emphasized that this would be the last substantial support from the United States for Ukraine.

Dr. Winkler believes there could be attempts to either cut off aid and force Ukraine to negotiate with Russia or send such a large amount of equipment and supplies that the Russians will conclude they cannot defeat Ukraine, leading them to peace talks.

I do not think that something like what is said in left-wing media, that Ukraine will be traded away, will happen, he concluded.