Blinken speaks about consequences of a Trump win for Kiev
For the first time, US Secretary of State Blinken publicly discusses the possibility that Republican Trump could win the elections. However, he remains optimistic: Ukraine is on a good path to ensure that it is "militarily, economically and democratically standing on its own feet".
Ukraine may in the future be able to stand militarily on its own feet without US support, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken referred to security agreements closed at the NATO summit by more than 20 countries with Ukraine. These countries have pledged to maintain their own military and financial support for Ukraine, even if the US were to withdraw its assistance under a new administration.
The US, under President Joe Biden, is the most significant supporter of Ukraine in its more than two-year defense against Russian invasion forces. With Biden faltering in polls for the November election, Ukraine and its supporters are concerned that the country could lose crucial US support if Biden is defeated.
Blinken stated that support for Ukraine cannot be permanently written in stone. "Every government, of course, has the ability to determine its own policy," said the Secretary of State. He considers it possible that a new US administration could withdraw from security agreements with Ukraine. "But fortunately, we still have about 20 other countries," Blinken added. Ukraine itself is on a good path to ensure that it is "militarily, economically and democratically standing on its own feet".
Blinken for the first time publicly acknowledged the possibility that Republican Donald Trump could win the November elections and withdraw from US obligations towards Ukraine. Trump has both criticized and supported US aid to Ukraine. His vice presidential candidate James D. Vance has explicitly voted against financial aid for Ukraine in the Senate.
Trump praises Zelensky's initiative
Trump phoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. The presidential candidate then declared that he welcomed Zelenskyy's initiative and promised, "to end the war that has cost so many lives and destroyed countless innocent families."
Zelenskyy wrote on X, he had pointed out that the protection and freedom of his country is significantly supported in the US in both parties and in both houses of Congress. He agreed with Trump to discuss in a personal meeting the steps that could make peace fair and truly lasting.
The potential victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the November elections has raised concerns in Ukraine, as he has shown mixed support for US aid to the country. Blinken, acknowledging this possibility, highlighted that while every government can determine its own policy, Ukraine still has the support of over 20 other countries in NATO.
The United States, under President Joe Biden, has been a key supporter of Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion forces, providing crucial military and financial aid. However, the future of this support hinges on election results, and Ukraine's path to self-sufficiency in military, economy, and democracy remains a priority.
Wars and conflicts, like the one in Ukraine, have been a subject of intense political debate and diplomacy. Secretary of State Blinken, in discussing the elections, emphasized that the US would maintain its commitment to upholding international law and addressing issues of war crimes.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been widely condemned as a violation of international law and a breach of peace. The wars and conflicts in this region have had devastating consequences, leading to humanitarian crises and displacement of people.
Despite these challenges, the United States of America continues to work towards diplomatic solutions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation to resolve conflicts. NATO, as a multinational alliance, plays a crucial role in this effort, supporting member countries like Ukraine in their quest for peace and stability.
