In the last six months, the question of how the possible coming to power of Donald Trump in the USA, who does not consider Kyiv’s support as his country’s top priority, will be reflected in Ukraine. This would mean a rather sharp change in the country’s foreign policy course at many points. Let’s find out if such a radical change is really possible.
Promises, promises…
The fears were well-founded: in Trump’s speeches, it is indeed often said that the USA should provide less aid to Ukraine and instead focus on its security policy. What causes such speeches?
The fight for the electorate is analogous to an advertising campaign. First, it is necessary to understand what people want before offering them what they need to achieve happiness. The same is true in politics.
A large percentage of Americans are now war-weary. Trump’s team knows this because research is constantly being conducted to understand what needs to be offered to voters. That is why statements about switching attention from helping Kyiv to the issue of the migration crisis are a direct path to the presidential seat. But making a promise is one thing, and keeping your promises is another. Whether Trump will stick to what he promises now is a big question.
Reduction of support
Financial aid to Ukraine from the USA is to maintain spheres of influence in world politics, balance, and diplomatic relations with partner countries. That is why the end of aid would mean Washington’s open capitulation to totalitarian regimes. It is unlikely that the Americans themselves would justify such a position because the confrontation between the United States of America and Russia has been going on for decades, and more than one generation of Americans has grown up with this position.
Demonstrating the strength of one’s country is something that has long become a national idea here. This is clear to any average American. And it is clear to any politician that giving up support for Ukraine for the White House means weakening all geopolitical positions developed over decades.
Does Europe know anything?
But it seems that Europe assumes that such a possibility really exists, and Trump’s words are not empty talk. After the financial project failed to be adopted by Congress in December, European politicians launched a series of financial, political, and military initiatives related to Ukraine. If they had information that the USA was about to settle this issue, it is unlikely that such a powerful support would have gone. This may indicate that the European Union believes that America can really change its course.
