Vladislav Grigoriev17:00, 07.11.24

Trump stated that Europe helps Ukraine less than the United States.

Hints from US President Donald Trump that Washington will reduce its support for Ukraine after his election are raising concerns in Europe, prompting European leaders to consider ramping up arms production for Kyiv, The Telegraph reports . 

The publication noted that Trump has repeatedly accused Europe of not providing sufficient support to Ukraine. He has stated that this responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of the United States, although the fighting is taking place far from Washington.

One of the possible scenarios for Ukraine involves territorial concessions to Russia, the publication emphasized. This is disadvantageous for European countries, which will potentially be located next door to the Russian Federation.

The publication believes that the US President wants to focus on China, not Ukraine, shifting aid to our country to Europe. Nevertheless, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are calling on Western powers to arm Kyiv, anticipating the possible consequences of a victory for the Russian Federation and its allies – China, North Korea and Iran.

Such a scenario gives Europe a short window of just over two months to prepare for an even further weakening of the US role in NATO, the publication stressed. European leaders would be unlikely to replicate American military support, but could close the gap by immediately purchasing off-the-shelf US weapons and finding joint solutions to increase production.

Despite this difficult situation, Ukraine still has a chance to win the war against Russia. In a letter received by the publication from more than 100 senior defense experts, they stated that Kyiv can create massive strike forces for precision attack without external restrictions on their use. In addition, they called for real security guarantees from Europe to Ukraine.

The West also needs to establish clear “red lines” that define what territory Moscow can seize before initiating a more decisive response to protect the continent’s security, the letter said.

The second scenario envisages a more optimistic outcome for Ukraine, the publication believes. The Biden administration may have acted too hesitantly, weakening Kyiv, but Trump can still surprise everyone.

The publication cited the words of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said that Trump may seek a tougher and more unpredictable position that will deter Western opponents.

Nevertheless, European leaders should still think about what to do if the US refuses to help Ukraine, the publication emphasized. Russia is already celebrating Trump’s victory and hoping that he will stop helping Kyiv.

(C)UNIAN 2024