(https___www.voanews.com_.jpg)
Future Prospects for Ukraine
As the U.S. presidential race heats up, Ukraine finds itself at a critical juncture, with analysts suggesting that the country’s future could be drastically different depending on whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the White House. Despite the looming election, Kyiv is not waiting passively for the outcome, as it has long been accustomed to dealing with the shifting policies of foreign powers.
The prospect of a Trump presidency is met with mixed feelings in Ukraine. According to Oleksii Melnyk of the Razumkov Center, there is a prevalent belief that Trump’s return to power may not bode well for Ukraine. However, there are also more cautious viewpoints suggesting that a Trump administration might not be as detrimental as feared. Trump has promised to quickly end the ongoing war, although his running mate, JD Vance, has previously expressed indifference toward Ukraine, saying he “doesn’t really care” about the conflict.
In contrast, Harris presents a more unpredictable alternative. Having met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and participated in major transatlantic security summits, she is seen as more aligned with President Joe Biden’s supportive stance on Ukraine. On the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized her commitment to standing with Ukraine and NATO allies, sharply criticizing Trump for his past encouragement of Russian aggression. Analysts predict that Harris would likely continue Biden’s current policies, while Trump’s foreign policy promises remain vague, particularly regarding his pledge to end the war swiftly.
Ukraine’s Renewed Confidence
Amid these political uncertainties, Ukraine has displayed renewed confidence on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces recently made a bold move by crossing the border and capturing Russian territory, a development that has invigorated the nation’s leadership and populace. John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, highlighted this resurgence of energy during a recent visit, noting how the seizure of over 460 square miles of Russian land and the capture of Russian soldiers have shifted the international narrative. This success has tempered discussions of peace talks and cease-fires largely on Kremlin terms, weakening Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bargaining position.
While experts like Andrew Payne from City St. George’s, the University of London, caution that Ukraine is unlikely to retain this territory permanently, the military gains serve as a strategic bargaining chip. Payne also speculated that, depending on the U.S. presidential race, Biden could influence the situation further in the final months of his presidency, potentially giving Ukraine more leeway in its military operations.
U.S. Presidential Race Biden’s Potential Influence
Regardless of the election results, President Biden’s role remains significant. Analysts believe Biden might use his remaining time in office to support Ukraine further, particularly by working with Republican leaders in Congress to secure one final aid package. Herbst emphasized that such efforts could provide Ukraine with a critical boost during a transitional period in U.S. leadership. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continues to strengthen ties with European leaders, expanding his support network as Ukraine navigates this complex geopolitical landscape.
The coming months will be crucial for Ukraine, as it balances on the edge of two vastly different futures shaped by the potential presidencies of Trump or Harris. The decisions made in Washington will undeniably impact Kyiv’s strategies, but Ukraine’s leaders are clearly determined to maintain their agency and continue their fight, regardless of who wins the U.S. election.
Also Read : The Enterprise world
