Ukraine braces for uncertain future as Trump returns to power
Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has sparked mixed feelings in Kyiv. Although Ukrainians are concerned about future support from Washington, they are determined to continue defending their country against Russian aggression, even if their main ally decides to limit aid, according to Politico.
7:03 AM EST, November 6, 2024
The portal Politico writes that Ukrainians face a new challenge in light of the election in the United States and Donald Trump's return to the White House.
According to "Politico," concerns about continued support from the USA are growing since Trump has repeatedly announced plans to halt aid to Ukraine, emphasizing his intention to end the war "in one day." Such a turn of events raises concern in Kyiv, which has relied on American assistance since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently tried to reassure his citizens, reminding them of the good relations with Donald Trump and emphasizing that Ukraine counts on "strong, bipartisan support" in the United States. However, Kyiv well remembers how Republicans in Congress blocked military aid for over nine months, which had serious consequences for the Ukrainian army.
The President of Ukraine has already congratulated the winner. He began his post by congratulating Donald Trump on an "impressive electoral victory." He expressed hope for fruitful cooperation, recalling his meeting with Trump in September, during which "we thoroughly discussed the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the USA, the plan for victory, and ways to end Russian aggression against Ukraine."
In his post, the Ukrainian president noted that he particularly appreciates Trump's "peace through strength" approach to international affairs. He explained that "it is this principle that can practically bring about a just peace in Ukraine." He expressed hope for the joint implementation of this principle in the coming years.
The President of Ukraine also emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine in the United States, regardless of political divisions: "We count on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States." President Zelensky also noted that Ukraine wants to develop "mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation" for both nations.
Official congratulations do not align with the perception of experts in Kyiv.
Despite this, as noted by Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics, Ukrainians must "live in Trump's world" and prepare for a tougher future. His words express uncertainty about the policy of the new US president, who previously declared good relations with Vladimir Putin.
On the other hand, as "Politico" points out, not everyone in Kyiv is giving in to pessimism.
Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, notes that although Trump's presidency may bring difficulties, it will not necessarily be negative for Ukraine. He reminds us that Trump is a pragmatic businessman who makes decisions based on "cost-benefit" analysis. According to him, this approach requires Ukrainians to be more determined in convincing the USA to continue its support.
As "Politico" notes, all these reservations and uncertainties do not change the most important issue - Ukrainians are determined to continue fighting Russian aggression.
As President Mylovanov notes, "we will certainly not be bored," reflecting the unwavering will to defend their country, regardless of changing circumstances.
