With the return of Donald Trump to the presidential chair, significant changes in US politics may occur. In both domestic and foreign policy, he is known for acting contrary to his predecessors. This applies to relations with Ukraine, which remain one of the key topics of international politics.
New Focus in US Domestic Policy
According to experts, Trump’s first 100 days in office will aim to demonstrate the consistency between his pre-election promises and his actual actions. Specifically, it is expected that:
- Rejection of Biden’s green energy policies: Trump will return to supporting fossil fuel extraction, promoting the idea of “drill, baby, drill”.
- Tough immigration policy: Implementation of new restrictions as part of his promise to “protect American borders”.
Relations with China and Russia
Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that his approach to China and Russia will significantly differ from Joe Biden’s policies. He sees China primarily through an economic lens, while relations with Russia revolve around the war in Ukraine.
Policy towards Ukraine: Key Expectations
Regarding support for Ukraine, Trump will face a dual challenge:
- Domestic pressure: On one hand, there are supporters of Ukraine within his team, such as Marco Rubio, Mike Pence, and Keith Kellogg. On the other hand, skepticism in the US regarding financial aid to Kyiv is growing.
- Strategic Negotiations: Russia will likely seek to leverage changes in the White House to intensify negotiations on its terms. One of these terms may include concessions regarding Ukraine’s defense support.
Why is Trump important for Ukraine?
On one hand, Trump may support peace in Ukraine, but on the other hand, his tendency to “shake things up” can cause concerns. Ukraine must be prepared for any scenario, including attempts by the Kremlin to interfere in the political arena, as has happened in the past.
Under Question
Donald Trump’s policies are likely to bring surprises. Support for Ukraine will remain a crucial issue, but Kyiv should be ready for new challenges and have a clear action plan to maintain a high-level partnership with the U.S.
If Biden’s policy relied on strong military support, Trump may seek different results through negotiations or even economic pressure. In any case, the future of Ukrainian-American relations will depend on Kyiv’s ability to effectively communicate its interests.
