Trump Is Unlikely to Abandon Ukraine—and Might Dangerously Escalate the War

The Wall Street Journal ^ | May 9, 2024 | Michael Kimmage

[MinorityRepublican]

If re-elected, would Donald Trump end U.S. support for Ukraine? He certainly sounds as if he would. On the campaign trail, he routinely describes Ukraine as a burden to the U.S. and declares his eagerness to see the war end, which he promises to achieve through negotiations in a mere 24 hours. Trump has also made clear his admiration for Vladimir Putin and dismissive attitude toward the European Union. Many observers worry that once back in office, he would condone, tacitly or even directly, Russia’s efforts to dominate Ukraine.

But it wouldn’t be an easy move for Trump to make, and there is reason to believe that his rhetoric on Ukraine is more political bluster than plan of action.

Trump’s dislike of Ukraine has many sources. It stems in part from his first impeachment trial in 2019, when he was charged with interfering in the 2020 election by putting pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation of Joe Biden. The subsequent war in Ukraine has provided ammunition for one of Trump’s longstanding foreign policy complaints: that the U.S. does too much and Europe too little for Europe’s security. He has even suggested that the U.S. wouldn’t come to the defense of allies who don’t do their share for NATO. And of course there is the politics of aid to Ukraine: Democrats champion Ukraine and revile Russia, inspiring some in Trump’s orbit to do the opposite—to make Russia a synonym for strong leadership and to decry Ukraine as corrupt and parasitical.

Against this backdrop, it is instructive to scrutinize Trump’s actual record on Russia and Ukraine. Much of what he said about the two countries on the campaign trail in 2016 had little or no bearing on the actions he took as president.

[Williams]

Why do you bother people.

I support Trump.

KMA

[tennmountainman]

You sent me this comment earlier this evening.

“Wow that’s some next level comment”

I simply responded to your comment you sent me.

Buck up Zeeper.

[Just mythoughts]

The U-crane ‘war’ was initiated by ‘neo-cons... the installed a porn actor ... penis playing mighty Z on our dime against the Bear .... The mighty cocaine addicted ZZZZZZ is a dip shit... playing the piano with is worn out penis ... sucks to be him...