Trump Evades Direct Support for Ukraine

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Former President Donald Trump refused to say he wants Ukraine to win the war against Russia during Tuesday’s presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. When asked directly if he wants Ukraine to be victorious, Trump responded with a lengthy answer but did not say “yes.”

Instead, Trump reiterated his claim that he could end the conflict “before I even become president” without providing specifics. He also declined to state whether supporting Ukraine was in America’s national security interests.

Trump expressed concerns about the potential for nuclear war and insisted he knew how to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His reluctance to affirm support for Ukraine’s efforts against the Russian invasion has heightened anxieties among Ukrainians. Many in Ukraine fear that Trump’s approach could involve ending American military support, forcing Ukraine to continue fighting with diminished resources or accept an unfavorable peace plan.

The Ukrainian government has stated its readiness to work with either a Harris or Trump administration. However, the prospect of reduced American support under Trump is troubling for many Ukrainians. Without robust assistance, Ukraine’s chances of repelling Russian advances and ultimately winning the war could be significantly compromised.

Trump’s stance raises Ukrainian fears

The debate was broadcast live at 4 a.m. local time by Ukraine’s public broadcast network, underscoring the intense interest in the American election. Ukrainian commentator Illia Ponomarenko criticized Trump’s stance on social media, comparing it to forcing a cancer patient to stop chemotherapy and endure immense suffering.

Trump’s position, perceived as indifferent to Ukraine’s plight, highlights the geopolitical implications of the U.S. presidential election for nations directly affected by American foreign policy. The fate of Ukraine’s defense against Russia and the future of U.S. support for Kyiv were the subjects of a passionate exchange during the debate. Trump dodged a question about whether a Ukrainian victory was in the United States’ best interests, stating, “I think it’s in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done, negotiate a deal.” He repeated his standard talking points on Ukraine, asserting that his “good” relationships with both Zelensky and Putin would result in the war being “settled” before he potentially enters office again.

Harris accused Trump of giving up on Ukraine, saying, “The reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up, and that’s not who we are as Americans.” Both candidates appealed to viewers’ fears of potential Russian escalation, with Trump raising the specter of World War III and Harris warning that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine. Despite stoking fears of Russian escalation, neither candidate outlined clear plans for peace in Ukraine. The debate was held in a highly charged atmosphere, with Trump slightly ahead of Harris in the latest polls.

The prolonged and fervent back-and-forth on stage signaled the importance of the war in Washington.


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  • NYTimes.”Trump, Asked If He Wants Ukraine to Defeat Russia, Doesn’t Say Yes”.
  • TheNation.”Ukrainians Will Also Be Watching Tonight’s Presidential Debate Anxiously”.
  • KyivIndependent.”Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate”.

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