Uncertainty grips Ukraine. US debate over aid and potential territory concessions intensifies
9:46 AM EST, December 12, 2023
The Ukrainian struggle against the Russian encroachment has been ongoing for 21 months. A counteroffensive, launched in June aiming to recapture territories from the Russians, has failed to accomplish any significant victory. In a concerning twist, troops under Putin are now attempting to seize as much territory as they can. The Awdijiwka region has seen continuous action since October, with the invaders presently holding sway on the front.
Could Ukraine Cede Part of Its Territory to Russia? A US Comment
Will Ukraine be able to continue the conflict? This largely hinges on aid from Western countries, primarily the USA. Discussions about another substantial aid package for Ukraine are underway in the US Parliament. Consensus eludes the Democratic and Republican parties concerning the package, which could cost tens of billions of dollars.
One senator, JD Vance, advocates for reducing aid to Ukraine. In a dialogue with Jake Tapper on CNN, he even broached the subject of potential territorial shifts.
"The best plan for America involves accepting the unfortunate reality that Ukraine may have to cede parts of its territory to Russia, and that we need to find a way to end this war. The idea that Ukraine could repel Russia back to its 1991 borders was always unrealistic—no one truly believed it," the senator said, according to Interia.
Moreover, he argues for a reduction in arms supplies and an end to the conflict. "When I consider the immense human tragedy occurring, seeing hundreds of thousands of innocent Eastern European lives lost due to the conflict, I believe, for their sake and ours, that the killing must end," states Vance.
Vance hails from the Republican party, known for stymieing aid to Ukraine. Recent polls suggest the potential for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, to reclaim the White House. This sparks concerns that the Ukrainian issue may be turned into a bargaining chip in negotiations between Putin and Trump. Obviously, a potential Trump presidency would not be as supportive of Ukraine as seen under Joe Biden's tenure.
