With Donald Trump’s recent election win, Ukraine may face a significant shift in U.S. support, which could have profound implications for its ongoing war with Russia. During his campaign, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, voiced strong skepticism regarding sustained U.S. involvement in Ukraine, hinting that the new administration could press Kyiv toward a negotiated settlement with Moscow.
The timing is critical for Ukraine, as Russia continues to make slow but steady advances in the eastern Donbas region, which President Vladimir Putin aims to fully capture. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi recently acknowledged the challenges on the front lines, noting that Ukraine’s forces require ongoing resupply and reinforcement in certain areas.
Amid these developments, Russia has reportedly bolstered its manpower with troops from North Korea. U.S. officials estimate that as many as 10,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, with expectations that they may enter combat in Ukraine in the coming days.
Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has provided extensive support to Ukraine, contributing tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid. Biden’s team is expected to expedite as much assistance as possible before Trump takes office, potentially giving Ukraine critical resources to face mounting pressure.
Trump, who has previously expressed admiration for Putin and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has suggested that the war might not have occurred if he had been in office. He has also pledged to end the conflict swiftly, even proposing that Ukraine should consider concessions to Russia.
In response, Zelensky expressed hopes for continued bipartisan support, congratulating Trump and highlighting a “mutually beneficial” relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. Nevertheless, in a recent interview, Zelensky acknowledged the possibility of a reduction in U.S. assistance under Trump, adding that weakened support could embolden Russia to seize more territory.
To counter the potential shift, the Biden administration has explored ways to “Trump-proof” aid to Ukraine. Earlier this year, NATO announced plans to set up a mission coordinating military support for Ukraine, with the U.S. leading much of the effort. Additionally, the U.S. contributed $20 billion toward a $50 billion G7 loan package for Ukraine, partially funded by frozen Russian assets.
While Zelensky remains open to negotiations, he maintains that any talks with Russia must come from “a position of strength” backed by continued U.S. support.
