Ukraine anxiously eyes Donbas as Trump wins US election
In the Ukrainian army, many fear that with Donald Trump's victory in the USA, Kyiv will lose "at least" Donbas. One military advisor describes American support as a "matter of life and death."
Donald Trump won the presidential election in the United States, defeating the current Vice President Kamala Harris. This victory has caused much anxiety in Kyiv. Trump has repeatedly criticised military support for Ukraine and has himself announced a swift end to the war, which in the current situation would mean losses for Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory. Officials from his administration told the "Financial Times" that Kyiv faces "many challenges" in relations with Americans. At the same time, they try to remain optimistic about the new US president.
Pessimism in the army. "We might lose Donbas"
There is more pessimism in the army. An anonymous military representative told the "Financial Times" that many soldiers "fear that (American) support will be halted and we will lose at least Donbas."
- For us, (American) support is a matter of life or death - he says. - We have to convince Trump to stand with us - he added.
An advisor to the Ukrainian government on military affairs admitted he is "more pessimistic" than politicians. - But some people believe that his (Trump's) unconventional approach might be the only one that yields any results - he says.
However, he noted that he has concerns that Trump might "push the entire world into an era of chaos." - This might be a moment of truth for Europe and the United Kingdom to show who the adult in the room is. But they may not be able to manage it - he emphasises.
