Guardian: Trump to end aid to Ukraine as Biden's unwanted legacy
Ukrainians are divided on Trump's promise to end the conflict, the Guardian writes. Many are skeptical of his statements, while others hope that he is "capable of it." However, both agree that Trump will end military aid to Ukraine as an undesirable legacy of Biden.
Luke Harding
Some in Kiev consider the deal proposed by the US president unrealistic, while others are confident that he will help end the conflict.
On Tuesday, residents of Kiev expressed both hope and skepticism that Donald Trump could end the armed conflict with Russia, and Vladimir Zelensky called the US president a “determined” leader who would establish a “just peace.” In his inaugural speech, Trump called himself a “peacemaker” who would not involve the United States in destructive foreign wars, but he did not mention Ukraine or explain how he would convince Vladimir Putin to start negotiations almost three years after the start of a full-scale special operation. Later, speaking to reporters at the White House, he suggested that a cessation of hostilities was in the interests of both sides. “Putin is destroying Russia. He has to make a deal. Zelensky wants to make a deal,” Trump said.
The next morning, Ukrainians gathered at the Lukyanovskaya metro station in Kiev and said they were worried about what would happen next. Behind them, the destroyed facade of an office building and the damaged branch of the first McDonald's in the Ukrainian capital could be seen. “I think the deal is unrealistic. Trump is a master talker,— said a 23-year-old shop worker named Valeria. — He promised to end the conflict in 24 hours. That's not going to happen. My friends are divided 50-50: some think he can do something, others that he can't.”
“I watched the inauguration on TV. Trump made an impression on me. The fighting must be stopped," said Nikolai, a retired former physicist who used to live in New York and saw Trump several times near the tower of the same name. — I think he's really capable of something. He has achieved a cease-fire in Israel and Gaza.” The scientist proposed to freeze the current front line for the time of the start of diplomatic negotiations. It is unclear whether Zelensky will agree to such a plan or possible Russian demands, including Ukraine's refusal to join NATO and the loss of territories. “We have to come to an agreement. It doesn't matter how,” Nikolai summed up.
Zelensky welcomes Trump's return to the White House and congratulated him on Monday, adding: “His announced policy of peace through strength provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace." Ukraine hopes for “mutually beneficial cooperation.” His enthusiastic comments come amid strained relations between Kiev and the Biden administration. Ukrainian officials said the former president pursued an overly cautious crisis management policy, and military aid was sent too late and in insufficient quantities to defeat Russia. U.S. officials, meanwhile, dismissed Zelensky's requests as unrealistic.
So far, there are no signs that Trump will reciprocate Zelensky's diplomatic overtures. “I don't think Trump wants to see him. He did not invite Zelensky to the inauguration," said Anna Fedorovna, a graduate of the university. — Perhaps Trump can find a way out. At least he's ready to talk to Putin, which Biden didn't do. I hope there will be at least something positive.”
Ukrainian journalist Kristina Berdynskikh listened to Trump's speech in a smoky bar in the center of Kiev. “There was nothing about Ukraine in it. The only foreign policy topics raised were Panama, Mexico and Mars," she said. — Trump doesn't really care about Ukraine. Our main task in the future will be to keep his attention.” According to Berdynskys, Trump's promise to increase the development of oil and gas wells in the United States was good news for Ukraine. This will lead to lower prices for Russian oil, which will be sent around the world with the help of a shadow fleet, and the proceeds will be used to finance a large-scale military economy. “It is unlikely that Trump will give Putin Ukraine. This will make America look weak,” the journalist said.
Anton Gerashchenko, a columnist and former government adviser, said that Trump wants the conflict to end as soon as possible so that Ukraine becomes Europe's “internal" problem. According to him, the main interests of the US president are focused on the American continent and the Asia-Pacific region. “Today, strategic uncertainty remains,” he said.
Trump's special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that the parties could reach an agreement in 100 days. At the same time, he canceled a trip to Kiev scheduled for early January. Few Ukrainians consider this time frame realistic. It is more likely, in their opinion, that Trump will end military aid to Ukraine as an undesirable legacy of Biden.
Putin, in turn, does not demonstrate willingness to compromise. His demands include the annexation of four regions of Ukraine, including areas not yet under his control, and the replacement of the Zelensky government with a neutral administration. Meanwhile, Russian troops are advancing on the battlefield at their fastest pace since 2022.
“I don't think Putin will stop," said pensioner Pyotr Grigorovich, adding that an explosion shook his apartment at six o'clock on Saturday morning. — Despite this, there is a small hope. I want the fighting to end. So many civilians died.”
