Ukrainian President Warns Against Compromising with Putin as Trump Returns
Growing European fears of possible Washington concessions to Moscow, which could affect the future of military support for Ukraine
November 7, 2024, 8:21 pm

Ukrainian President Warns Against Compromising with Putin as Trump Returns

زيلينسكي \ تعبيرية \ متداول

As European fears escalate about the consequences of Donald Trump's return to power and the possibility of him making concessions to Russia or reducing military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned against making any compromises with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as "suicide" for Europe.

Zelenskyy stated in a speech to European leaders gathered in Budapest Thursday: "Some attendees suggested that Kyiv make concessions to Putin, but this is unthinkable and unacceptable."

Regarding U.S.-European relations, he continued emphasizing the need to strengthen them after Trump's victory, according to Agence France-Presse. He expressed his aspirations for a stronger America, considering that it serves Europe's interests as well, adding "A strong America is what Europe needs, just as a strong Europe is what America needs."

The Ukrainian President added that North Korea is now waging war on Europe's doorstep, alluding to thousands of its soldiers flowing into Russia to participate in fighting on Ukrainian territory. He continued saying that "North Korean soldiers are trying to kill the Ukrainian people on European soil."

The Republican candidate had repeatedly committed during his campaign to end the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, while his deputy James David Vance indicated in September the existence of a "peace plan" if he assumes power.

He extensively praised Putin's intelligence and wisdom, confirming their strong relationship, and strongly criticized the current U.S. administration's generosity in financially supporting Kyiv, which aroused fears from Ukraine and its European allies.

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Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.