Trump’s victory could mean US withdraws support for Ukraine in war with Russia

 

During his campaign, the Republican president-elect and his vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance, have raised significant concerns about the ongoing commitment of the US to Kyiv as the conflict continues over two and a half years after the invasion by Russian troops. Additionally, Trump has indicated that the US might urge Ukraine to reach an uncomfortable ceasefire with Russia.

Trump's election victory occurs at a critical juncture for Kyiv amid ongoing conflict. Russia has been progressively gaining ground in the eastern Donbas area, which President Vladimir Putin is intent on fully capturing.

 Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi conveyed via Telegram on Saturday that the front line situation "remains challenging," noting that specific regions "necessitate a continual replenishment of resources for Ukrainian units."

At the same time, it is believed that Russia is strengthening its forces with the addition of North Korean troops. Up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, with expectations to engage in combat against Ukraine soon, according to US officials' warnings.

During the Biden administration, the United States has allocated tens of billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, including weapons and budget support. The administration intends to maximize its support for Kyiv prior to Trump assuming office.

Trump has consistently commended Putin while often criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he shares a complex history. Trump’s attempts to use U.S. military aid to Ukraine as leverage to compel Zelensky to investigate his political adversaries were central to his first impeachment in 2019.

Zelensky extended his congratulations to Trump on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for Trump's dedication to "peace through strength."

“We anticipate a period of a robust United States of America under President Trump’s strong leadership. We are counting on ongoing solid bipartisan backing for Ukraine in the United States,” Zelensky stated in a social media update. “We are keen on fostering mutually advantageous political and economic relations that will benefit both our countries.”

Trump has frequently asserted that the Ukraine-Russia conflict would not have begun if he were in office. He has also pledged to resolve the war, at times even professing he would conclude the long-standing conflict before taking office. In July, he claimed he could bring an end to the dispute within a single day.

In his presidential debate in September against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump declined to commit to supporting Ukraine in defeating Russia. Later that month, he proposed that Ukraine should have “conceded a little bit” to Moscow, remarking at a campaign event that “any agreement, even a poor one, would have been preferable to the current situation.”

“If they had struck a bad deal, it would have been significantly better. They would have made some concessions, and everyone would be safe,” Trump stated.

Shortly after those remarks, during a meeting with Zelensky in New York City, he emphasized his intention to negotiate a favorable outcome for “both parties.”

“We maintain a strong relationship, and I also share a positive rapport, as you know, with President Putin. I believe if we prevail, we can reach a resolution very soon,” Trump expressed.

“I think well before I assume the presidency on January 20, which is the official date – but well ahead of that, I believe we can establish something beneficial for both parties. It’s time,” he concluded.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has crafted a "victory plan" and stated that while Ukraine is open to negotiations, they must occur from a “position of strength.” During a press conference in late October, he remarked that “Trump speaks a lot, yet I haven’t heard him mention any intention to decrease support for Ukraine.”

On Wednesday, Zelensky noted that during their meeting in September, he and Trump “thoroughly discussed the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., the Victory Plan, and strategies to halt Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

However, in an interview with South Korea’s KBS, Zelensky admitted that “the incoming U.S. president might either enhance or diminish support for Ukraine.”

“If that support diminishes, Russia will capture more land, making it impossible for us to win this conflict. That is the reality. Our position is not about making territorial compromises but considering potential diplomatic avenues that depend on the U.S. upholding its commitment. A true willingness from the United States to resolve this war quickly is essential,” he stated.

In the lead-up to the election, the U.S. and its allies have been looking for ways to ensure that support for Ukraine remains stable, regardless of Trump’s influence. Earlier in the year, NATO announced its plan to launch a mission aimed at coordinating the supply of military aid and training for Ukraine—an initiative that has been primarily driven by the U.S. The Biden administration proposed $20 billion out of the G7’s $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, which is also backed by assets seized from Russia.

                                                                   'The End'