Ukraine reaction to Trump/ U.S. aid to Ukraine/ Ukraine conflict/ Trump peace deal Ukraine/ NATO concerns/ Newslooks/ KYIV/ Ukraine/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have mixed reactions to Donald Trump’s re-election, as they hope for ongoing American support while worrying about the potential for unfavorable peace negotiations. While Trump pledges to achieve peace, he has also criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, leaving Kyiv uncertain about his future policies. Amid constant Russian attacks, Ukrainians cautiously await Trump’s approach to the conflict.
Trump’s Re-Election and Ukraine’s Mixed Hopes: Quick Look
- Soldiers’ Concerns: Ukrainian troops hope Trump will maintain military aid to help them counter Russia.
- Potential Peace Deal: Many Ukrainians worry Trump’s approach could pressure Ukraine into conceding territory.
- Past Support: Trump initially supplied arms to Ukraine, crucial for early defense efforts.
- Public Sentiment: Some Ukrainians prefer clarity in Trump’s approach over perceived false hope from previous administrations.
- NATO’s Response: NATO allies are concerned about Trump’s unpredictable stance on foreign support.
Ukraine Weighs Trump’s Victory: Hope for Support vs. Peace Concerns
Deep Look
On Ukraine’s eastern front lines, where artillery units engage Russian forces daily, soldiers learned of Donald Trump’s re-election with a mix of hope and pragmatism. For these soldiers, Trump’s win raises as many questions as it does expectations. They are steadfast in their hope that the U.S. will continue supplying the weapons and resources vital to their fight, yet Trump’s pledges to scale back involvement in foreign conflicts cast uncertainty over the future of American aid.
The commander of an artillery battery near Kharkiv, known by his call sign “Mozart,” represents the cautious optimism among Ukrainian forces. Standing amidst trenches and netting designed to conceal artillery from Russian drones, he shared his hopes for uninterrupted military support. “We don’t care who is president, as long as they don’t cut us off from help,” he said, emphasizing the essential role U.S. weapons play in defending against Russian advancements.
Trump’s past relationship with Ukraine has been complicated. While he was the first U.S. president to send arms to Ukraine in 2017, including the critical Javelin anti-tank missiles, he has also expressed doubts about sustained American involvement. His positive remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin and critiques of U.S. backing for Ukraine have stirred apprehension. During a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump declined to specify whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, a response that left Ukrainians wondering if he would pressure Kyiv into a peace deal potentially favorable to Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded swiftly to Trump’s victory, expressing a cautious hope for cooperation. Recalling a recent meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy shared his belief in the “peace through strength” approach, which he thinks could bring a just peace to Ukraine. “I am hopeful that we will put it into action together,” he wrote on social media. Trump has often claimed he could negotiate a peace deal within 24 hours, yet he has not detailed his plan, raising concerns that his solution may involve concessions from Ukraine.
In Kyiv, 18-year-old law student Viktoriia Zubrytska voiced a pragmatic, albeit resigned, perspective. While she expects Trump’s administration may push Ukraine to cede territory in exchange for peace, she sees this as a preferable alternative to prolonged conflict. “Certainty and objective truth is much better than lies and life in illusions,” she said, suggesting that she values clarity over the uncertain support she associates with the Biden administration.
Public sentiment in the U.S. reflects a similar divide. According to AP VoteCast, a survey of the American electorate, 74% of Harris supporters favored ongoing aid to Ukraine, compared to only 36% of Trump’s voters. This difference in priorities signals a potential challenge for Zelenskyy’s administration, which relies heavily on U.S. military support.
On the eastern front lines, Ukrainian soldiers maintain resolve despite their limited influence on U.S. politics. Andriy, who goes by the call sign “Rodych” or “Relative,” expressed confidence in Ukraine’s resilience. “We are a shield between Europe and Russia,” he remarked, underscoring the significance of Ukraine’s defense efforts to the broader European region. He noted the distance between Ukraine’s daily reality and international perceptions, explaining, “Other countries see it on TV, and for them, it is far away.”
Trump’s re-election also has implications for America’s NATO allies, who have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. In response to Trump’s win, France and Germany quickly arranged a high-level defense meeting to discuss the implications for NATO and Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also reached out, expressing hope that Trump’s leadership would strengthen the alliance in the face of a “more aggressive Russia.” He praised Trump for encouraging greater defense spending among NATO members during his first term but acknowledged that the U.S. approach could shift under Trump’s presidency.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov struck a critical tone, describing the U.S. as an “unfriendly” nation involved indirectly in conflict with Russia through its support of Ukraine. However, Peskov noted that Trump’s commitment to a rapid resolution of the war could shift dynamics. “The U.S. can help end the conflict,” he said, but tempered expectations by adding, “It certainly can’t be done overnight.”
As Ukrainians continue to defend their country, Trump’s re-election casts uncertainty over the conflict’s future. Many Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are hopeful but realistic, understanding that U.S. support may come with new expectations. The weeks and months ahead will reveal whether Trump’s promises will materialize in actions that bolster Ukraine’s defense or lead to negotiations that could reshape the course of the conflict.
