Lyn Frans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is feeling increasingly uncertain about the future of US military aid as the situation remains in limbo.
With Donald Trump returning to the White House, there are rising concerns about how this could affect the support Ukraine has relied on to defend itself against Russian aggression. As Western leaders continue to discuss their strategies, Zelensky is left wondering what this means for his country’s security and the vital assistance it needs during these challenging times.
At a recent summit in Budapest, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer although sparingly reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK’s support for Ukraine remains “iron-clad” , Zelensky is uneasy and uncertain as all roads to him leds to the fact that aids coming in will either be curtailed or not come in at all as Donald Trump Heads to the White House in January.
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According to Starmer, that the summit was not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty but also about protecting shared values, freedom, and democracy. After his discussions with Zelensky, he avoided directly answering whether Trump’s victory would be beneficial for Europe and Ukraine, but he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine during this challenging time.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who hosted the summit, echoed a sentiment shared by many European leaders: the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the US. He candidly stated, “To be blunt, we cannot wait for the Americans to protect us.” Orban’s close ties to Trump and reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia highlight the complexities within European politics regarding the conflict.
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Trump has claimed he could resolve the war in Ukraine “within a day,” yet specifics on how he would achieve this remain unclear. Some analysts speculate that a new US administration might pressure Zelensky to concede territory in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky mentioned that he has not yet had the chance to discuss the situation with the president-elect.
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During their meeting, Starmer encouraged Ukraine’s allies to increase their support, telling Zelensky, “As you know, our support for Ukraine is unwavering. It’s very important that we see this through. It’s very important that we stand with you.” In response, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the steadfast support from the UK throughout this difficult period.
Leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have also pledged their ongoing support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pointed out that Trump’s first term had pushed Europe to invest more in defense but emphasized that more needs to be done. He warned that a successful Russian campaign in Ukraine would embolden Russia at Europe’s doorstep.
Reflecting on his past interactions with Trump, Rutte noted, “I worked with him very well for four years. He is extremely clear about what he wants.” He believes there is potential for collaboration despite differing views.
As Sir Keir navigates these complex discussions, he chose not to comment on reports suggesting Trump had labeled him as “very left-wing.” Instead, he described their recent conversations as “very positive, very constructive,” indicating a willingness to engage with all sides as the situation evolves.
