In the event of a re-election, Donald Trump has pledged to push Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, including Crimea and the Donbas region. This proposal has sparked alarm among experts, who warn that it would reward Vladimir Putin and violate internationally recognized borders through force. Trump has previously boasted about his ability to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if elected.
In contrast, President Biden has opted to provide military aid to Ukraine, in line with Trump’s previous policy shift. However, some of Trump’s supporters have tried to dissuade him from this move due to its potential geopolitical consequences. Senator Lindsey Graham has argued that the best way to end the conflict is by ensuring Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the EU – something that Trump hasn’t emphasized.
Former top Russia adviser Fiona Hill expressed concerns that Trump’s team is treating the situation as a mere territorial dispute without considering its broader implications for European security and the global order. Meanwhile, a major US aid package for Ukraine remains stalled in the House of Representatives due to Republican infighting, further complicating matters. Some Republicans are calling for border security measures and spending cuts to offset aid given to US allies.
