Ukraine Braces for Trump’s Return: Hopes and Fears Amidst Ongoing War
As the Republican Leader Heads to the White House, Ukraine Faces an Uncertain Future
Kyiv, Ukraine – A glowing sign inside a café in Ukraine’s capital reflects a sentiment shared by many: "Make Russia Small Again." A play on Donald Trump’s famous campaign slogan, the sign embodies a deep-rooted desire among Ukrainians to see their long-time adversary diminished.
But as Trump prepares to return to the White House, opinions in Ukraine are split. Can he use his bold political style to end the war on favorable terms for Kyiv, or will his policies force Ukraine into painful compromises?
Trump’s Uncertain Priorities
For some, like Roman Kravtsov, the 27-year-old manager of the "Trump" cafeteria in Kyiv, Trump’s assertive leadership style offers hope.
“He’s a man of his word,” Kravtsov said. “He acts right away. He’s uncompromising.”
However, he worries that Ukraine does not rank high on Trump’s list of priorities.
“I’m not sure that Ukraine is even in his top five,” he admitted.
This uncertainty is a growing concern among Ukrainian officials and soldiers alike.
Ukraine’s Demands for Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hopes that Trump will offer strong security guarantees to prevent a future Russian invasion.
“We want a just peace,” Zelenskyy said, “and for that, we need to be certain that Russia won’t return.”
Yet Trump’s past statements—promising to end the war in 24 hours without outlining specifics—have left many in Ukraine skeptical. His advisors have hinted at allowing Russia to keep occupied territories and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership, raising fears of a peace deal that would favor Moscow.
Frontline Realities: Troops Running Low on Ammunition
For Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield, political uncertainty is overshadowed by critical shortages of weapons and ammunition.
Trump’s opposition to military aid contributed to months of delays in a $61 billion U.S. support package, which was only approved in April 2024. This delay, Ukrainian troops say, cost them valuable ground and thousands of lives.
“We needed the planes when we had the manpower,” one wounded soldier said. “Now, we have fewer people fighting, and still not enough ammunition.”
Despite these setbacks, Ukraine continues to fight back. This week, Kyiv launched its largest drone attack to date, targeting Russian military infrastructure with over 200 unmanned aircraft. The strike damaged fuel depots and refineries, disrupting Russia’s war efforts.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Trump’s choice for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has already stated that both Russia and Ukraine must make “concessions.” He suggested that Ukraine may have to accept territorial losses, an idea that runs counter to Kyiv’s longstanding position.
Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, former deputy head of Ukraine’s military, believes that Trump’s “24-hour peace plan” will likely drag out for months and bring significant challenges for Ukraine’s Western-leaning government.
A ban on Ukraine’s NATO and EU membership could trigger a political crisis, as pro-Western leaders have long promised these alliances as Ukraine’s path to security and economic growth.
“The idea that NATO and the EU will solve all our problems has been a mantra for decades,” said Kyiv-based analyst Aleksey Kusch. “If that path is blocked, it will shake Ukrainian politics to its core.”
Ukraine’s Future Hinges on U.S. Support
As Trump takes office, Ukraine faces an intensifying war and a battle for continued U.S. backing. On the front lines, Kyiv’s troops are losing ground, and in Washington, diplomatic uncertainty looms.
While Trump’s administration may push for a quick resolution, Ukraine’s leadership knows that any deal favoring Russia could reshape the country’s future—for better or worse.