Ukrainians are nervous about the prospect of a Trump victory.
Báo Dân trí•03/11/2024
(Dan Tri) - Many Ukrainians could not hide their anxiety about the scenario of Republican candidate Donald Trump winning the US presidential election on November 5.
Former US President Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters).
AFP reported that many Ukrainians are anxiously watching the final days of the US presidential campaign, with some worried that Donald Trump's victory could lead to a decrease in Washington's military aid to Kiev. The US election takes place next week in the context of a war of attrition between Russia and Ukraine entering its third year, with Kiev at a disadvantage because of Moscow's overwhelming military and weaponry. Meanwhile, Ukrainians, already tired of the war, may be further discouraged by the possibility of Trump returning to the White House, who has made no commitment to continue supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia. "A Trump victory would create serious risks. The situation would be very alarming," former Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oleg Shamshur told AFP . In recent years, the US has been the strongest military aid provider to Ukraine. However, Trump has criticized these funds, while calling for the sides to sit down at the negotiating table. He has repeatedly said he could end the war within 24 hours if he wins the election, but both Russia and Ukraine are skeptical of this statement. "Neither he nor his team believes in a Ukrainian victory," Shamshur said. So far, Trump has refused to answer whether he wants Ukraine to win and has not announced any strategy on how to end the conflict. His running mate, JD Vance, has advocated a freeze in hostilities and the establishment of a demilitarized zone, which Ukraine does not want. Shamshur said that scenario would be advantageous for Russia because Moscow would have more time to rebuild its military capabilities for further attacks. However, a senior Ukrainian official expressed optimism about the prospect of a Trump victory. He said a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the US in September went "very well." "Mr. Trump certainly does not want to be the one who makes America lose face in front of Mr. Putin," he said . He revealed that Ukraine has prepared for all possible scenarios in the US election and has strengthened relations with the teams of both candidates. Whether Mr. Trump or Democratic rival Kamala Harris wins, they will have to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine when the advantage on the ground is tilting towards Russia. According to AFP analysis, in October alone, Russia advanced 478 square kilometers into Ukrainian territory, the highest number since March 2022. In the Donetsk region, where Russia has controlled two-thirds of the territory, a Ukrainian soldier named Sergiy, 51, expressed concern about the upcoming developments. He does not care who wins as long as "the US continues to help us". However, he believes that if Mr. Trump wins, it will be a negative development for Ukraine. From late 2023 to early 2024, the Ukrainian army suffered from severe ammunition shortages as Republicans blocked US military aid to Kiev. Russia seized the opportunity and gained more territory during that time. "If Trump wins, the situation could be the same as at the beginning of this year, very bad," Sergiy warned. Bogdan, a young soldier fighting in Donetsk, hopes that Trump will "want to show the strength, determination and capabilities of the United States." Rodion, a soldier in Kharkov, is more optimistic, saying: "I know they will not betray us."
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