Ukraine braces for change as Trump redefines U.S. support
Many in the Ukrainian army are concerned that with Donald Trump's victory in the U.S., Kyiv could lose "at least" the Donbas region. A military advisor considers American support a "matter of life and death."
Donald Trump has won the presidential election in the United States, defeating the current Vice President, Kamala Harris. This triumph has sparked significant anxiety in Kyiv. Trump has frequently criticized military support for Ukraine and has announced plans for a swift end to the war, which in the current context could mean setbacks for Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory. Sources within his administration told the "Financial Times" that Kyiv faces "many challenges" in its relations with Americans. Still, they try to maintain optimism about the new U.S. president.
Pessimism in the army. "We might lose Donbas"
Pessimism is more prevalent in the army. An anonymous military official told the "Financial Times" that many soldiers "fear that (American) support will be halted and we could lose at least the Donbas region."
"For us, (American) support is a matter of life and death," he says. "We have to convince Trump to stand with us," he added.
An advisor to the Ukrainian government on military matters admitted he is "more pessimistic" than the politicians. "But some people believe that his (Trump's) unconventional approach might be the only one that brings any results," he says.
However, he expressed 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 handle it," he emphasizes.
