The election of Donald Trump as US president has caused mixed feelings in Ukraine. Despite hopes for change, many Ukrainians express concern that these changes could negatively affect Ukrainian-American relations, especially in the area of military assistance. These conclusions were published by The New York Times after talking to Ukrainian soldiers, displaced persons and residents of cities that are constantly under fire from the Russian army.
“Both soldiers and civilians say that after so many losses, the new US president should seek a just settlement, not peace at any cost,” the publication notes.
It is indicated that many Ukrainians are disappointed with the overly cautious approach of the Joe Biden administration and the delay in receiving assistance due to Congressional actions.
“The war is still ongoing, Ukraine faces a strong adversary and is heavily dependent on American military support,” the NYT emphasized.
As 29-year-old Ukrainian artist Anna noted, “some say this is the end for Ukraine”:
"But since I consider him (Trump – ed.) an unstable person, I can't say for sure. I hope for justice and that Russia will face consequences for everything it has done.".
Major of the 128th Transcarpathian Mountain Assault Brigade, Yaroslav Galas, said that, in his opinion, Trump's desire to look like a winner will ultimately provide him with Ukraine's support:
“Trump understands that Russia’s victory and Ukraine’s defeat is a defeat for the United States and his personal defeat as president. That’s how the world will perceive it.”.
Russian military intelligence officer Andriy, who is fighting in Russia's Kursk region, said that every Ukrainian has experienced so many horrors that the end of the war cannot come soon enough:
“The war is terrible and needs to end. Maybe Trump will do something about it.”.
At the same time, the military officer added that if Trump refuses military support to force Kyiv to accept an unprofitable deal, it may not work out as he expects.
“This will be bad. This will turn into a guerrilla war… We will not give up. Many good people will die,” the fighter suggested.
Trump's "peace plan" for Ukraine is relevant
The New York Times previously concluded that the preliminary outlines of Trump's future Ukraine deal have already been determined, noting that Russia could keep its troops in about 20% of the territory of Ukraine it currently occupies.
Retired US Lieutenant General and former commander of US Army Europe Ben Hodges has expressed the opinion that Trump should avoid signing a deal with Putin on Ukraine, otherwise he will face a new global war.
