With the reelection of Donald Trump, Ukraine may soon have to adjust to a dramatic reduction in US support

With Donald Trump winning reelection, Ukraine might soon have to adapt to a major reduction in US support, which could have a significant effect on the ongoing war against Russia.

Throughout his campaign, the Republican president-elect, along with his vice president-elect JD Vance, has been very vocal about his doubts concerning the US's continued support for Ukraine. The war has dragged on for more than two and a half years since Russian forces invaded. Trump and Vance have expressed skepticism about maintaining this level of involvement.

Moreover, Donald Trump has hinted that the US might pressure Ukraine into reaching an uneasy truce with Russia, regardless of whether Kyiv finds the terms favorable. The election of Trump comes at a critical juncture in the conflict for Ukraine. Russian forces have been making steady advances in the eastern Donbas region, which is a key target for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Saturday, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi issued a statement on Telegram regarding the difficult situation at the front lines. He said that certain areas “require constant renewal of resources of Ukrainian units.” His message underlines the intense pressure Ukrainian forces are currently facing.

Meanwhile, Russia appears to be strengthening its manpower with reinforcements from North Korea. US officials have warned that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops are now stationed in Russia's Kursk region and are expected to join the fight against Ukraine in the coming days. This development, if true, could tip the scales further against Ukrainian defenses.

Under the Biden administration, the US has provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in aid, which has included both weapons and budget support. The current administration has pledged to continue providing as much assistance to Kyiv as possible before Trump takes office. This push to send support now seems to be aimed at countering potential future uncertainties.

Trump, however, has made it clear he has different views on Ukraine and Russia. He has consistently praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, while frequently criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their relationship is complicated, to say the least. Back in 2019, Trump’s attempt to use US military aid to pressure Zelensky into investigating his political opponents was the central issue of Trump’s first impeachment.

Despite all of this, Zelensky has reached out to Trump in a conciliatory manner. On Wednesday, Zelensky congratulated Trump and emphasized the importance of “peace through strength.” In a social media post, he wrote: “We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.” He added that Ukraine is interested in developing political and economic partnerships that will benefit both nations.

Trump, on his part, has repeatedly claimed that the war between Ukraine and Russia would not have started if he had been president during that time. He has also promised to end the conflict, going as far as to say that he could stop the ongoing war before even taking office. During an interview in July, Trump declared that he could settle the conflict in one day if given the chance.

These statements have left analysts divided. Some view Trump’s words as political bravado, while others wonder if he could genuinely bring about a resolution to the drawn-out war. In Kyiv, there is a palpable sense of anxiety over what Trump’s second term might mean for Ukraine's future. The possibility of losing the unwavering support that has come from the US thus far is a real concern for Ukrainian officials.

Trump’s victory has placed Ukraine in a vulnerable position at a time when Russia appears more determined than ever to advance in the eastern Donbas region. Any cut in US aid would likely have direct consequences on the ground, and Zelensky seems to be taking whatever steps he can to ensure continued support from Washington.

The reality is that, without the current level of US support, Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian advances would be seriously compromised. While European nations have provided support as well, the US has been the biggest contributor, and any significant reduction in that support would have immediate implications.

On the diplomatic side, Trump’s praise of Putin could suggest a more lenient US stance toward Moscow. Such a change would embolden Russia and potentially give it the upper hand in negotiations, leaving Ukraine with fewer options. It is this possibility that makes Trump’s reelection a pivotal moment not just for Ukraine, but for the whole region.

For now, Ukraine is bracing itself for an uncertain future. The world watches as Kyiv attempts to navigate the shifting landscape of international politics. Whether Donald Trump will follow through on his promises to pressure Ukraine into peace or to cut aid remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Ukraine’s path ahead just became significantly more complex.