Concerns are rising in Europe about the possibility of a second term for Donald J. Trump, with worries that it could lead to a reduction in U.S. support for Ukraine. However, some of Russia’s staunchest opponents are approaching the Trump camp in an effort to establish positive relations.
The ruling party of Lithuania, known for its unwavering support for Ukraine, recently facilitated meetings between Ukrainians, Baltic politicians advocating for increased military spending to counter Russia, and former Trump administration officials. Also present were members of pro-Trump organizations like the Heritage Foundation, a conservative group that is cautious about aiding Ukraine.
Leading the Ukrainian delegation was Oleksandr Merezhko, the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s foreign affairs committee and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Merezhko emphasized the importance of engaging with both Biden and Trump, recognizing Ukraine’s vulnerability in the face of shifting American politics.
The outreach efforts involved discussions on the implications of a potential second Trump administration for Ukraine and NATO. While some Trump supporters questioned why U.S. taxpayers should fund Ukraine’s conflict, others suggested framing the aid appeal in economic terms that align with Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a significant portion of the approved aid for Ukraine would benefit the U.S. economy. Zygimantas Pavilionis, a Lithuanian legislator involved in the meetings, emphasized the need to engage with Trump and his supporters, highlighting the American interest in countering Russia.
While European leaders express concerns about a potential Trump re-election, some have opted to engage with Trump-aligned groups to present their case for continued support for Ukraine. The British Parliament member Alicia Kearns visited the Heritage Foundation in Washington, and the British foreign secretary met with Trump earlier this month.
In contrast, Trump’s relationship with Ukraine has been complicated by past events, including his impeachment over allegations related to military aid and investigations into political opponents. Eastern European countries, particularly those that value Reagan-era foreign policies, are wary of Trump’s potential return to office.
While some leaders, like Viktor Orban of Hungary, openly support a Trump victory and a shift in Ukraine policy, others are more cautious. Participants in the Vilnius meetings, including former Trump officials, suggest that engaging with the Trump camp could yield positive outcomes for Ukraine.
The focus is on emphasizing the importance of Ukraine in countering shared threats from Russia, China, and Iran. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also underscored the significance of Ukraine’s struggle in the context of global power dynamics.
Despite differing views within Trump-aligned groups, there is a consensus that supporting Ukraine aligns with broader strategic interests. The belief is that continued engagement with the Trump camp could lead to positive outcomes for Ukraine and its allies.
Robert Wilkie, a former Trump administration official, downplayed concerns about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, highlighting past support during his presidency. Wilkie emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, suggesting that engagement with the Trump camp is key to achieving these goals.
The overarching message from those engaging with the Trump camp is that supporting Ukraine is not just a matter of foreign policy but also a strategic imperative. By articulating the shared interests in countering common adversaries, Ukraine and its allies aim to secure continued support, even in the face of shifting political dynamics.
