Ukraine braces for a new era as Trump returns to the White House
Donald Trump's victory in the USA presidential elections has evoked mixed feelings in Kyiv. While Ukrainians are concerned about future support from Washington, they remain resolved to continue defending their country against Russian aggression, even if their main ally decides to limit aid, according to Politico.
The portal Politico writes that Ukrainians face a new challenge in light of the elections in the United States and Donald Trump's return to the White House.
According to Politico, concerns regarding continued support from the USA are increasing. Trump has repeatedly declared plans to halt aid to Ukraine, emphasising his intention to end the war "in one day." Such developments raise concerns in Kyiv, which has relied on American assistance since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently sought to reassure his citizens, reminding them of the good relations with Donald Trump and emphasising that Ukraine anticipates "strong bipartisan support" in the United States. However, Kyiv vividly recalls how Republicans in Congress blocked military aid for over nine months, which had severe consequences for the Ukrainian army.
The President of Ukraine has already congratulated the winner. He began his message by congratulating Donald Trump on an "impressive election victory". He expressed hope for fruitful cooperation, recalling their meeting in September, during which "we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine."
In his message, the President of Ukraine noted that he particularly appreciates Trump for his "peace through strength" approach to international relations. He explained that "this is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer". He expressed hope for the joint implementation of this principle in the coming years.
The President of Ukraine also emphasised the importance of continued support for Ukraine in the United States, regardless of political divisions: "We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership." President Zelensky also noted that Ukraine wishes to develop "mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation" that will benefit 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 more challenging future. His words reflect uncertainty about the policy of the new US president, who previously claimed good relations with Vladimir Putin.
On the other hand, as Politico points out, not everyone in Kyiv is embracing pessimism.
Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, notes that although Trump's presidency may bring challenges, it will not necessarily be unfavourable for Ukraine. He reminds that Trump is a pragmatic businessman who makes decisions based on "cost-benefit" analysis. According to him, this approach mandates that Ukrainians must be more resolved in convincing the USA to continue its support.
As "Politico" notes, all these reservations and uncertainties do not alter the most critical issue - Ukrainians are resolute in continuing the fight against Russian aggression.
President Mylovanov notes, "we definitely won’t get bored," which captures the unwavering will to defend their country, regardless of changing circumstances.
