Ukraine weighs risks of Trump win amid uncertain US support

Melnyk emphasised that the Ukrainian public was aware that none of the contenders for the US presidency fully met Kyiv's expectations. — "The Biden administration's policy, which provided us with military assistance but also led to the prolongation of the conflict with Russia, did not give hope that Democrat Kamala Harris would radically change anything" — the expert noted.

Referring to Trump's victory, the analyst pointed out there is an awareness in Ukraine of the risks associated with the unpredictability of this figure.

The worst-case scenario is being considered in the context of his pre-election statements regarding conflict resolution. However, it is possible that these declarations will not be treated by him as an action programme — explained Melnyk.

The expert noted that Trump's victory eliminates concerns about destabilisation in the United States, which could have occurred if he had not acknowledged his potential loss. "However, we face serious challenges, and they concern not only Ukraine. But the situation is generally calm, and there is no panic in Ukraine" — he assured.

Asked about arms deliveries from the US to Ukraine, Melnyk expressed the opinion that the outgoing president, Joe Biden, in the final months of his term, might make decisions that he had postponed until now. He recalled the words of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently stated that Ukraine had received only 10 percent of the assistance approved by the US Congress.

I don't know if it will happen, but it may be that Biden, not being constrained by the electoral factor, may make important decisions for Ukraine - especially granting permission to hit long-range missile targets (on the) territory of the Russian Federation — stated Melnyk.