Even in the best of times, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to second guess US President-Elect Donald Trump. And, now that has won the Presidency again in a near-spectacular manner, he will be as unhinged as they come.
And, this could be cause of worry for many US allies, including those which form part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) alliance, and anti-Russia countries like Ukraine.
After taking over, Trump may well stop all aid and sale of arms and weaponry to Ukraine, which has been fighting Russia for the last over two years.
Among other issues, one of the key bones of contention that led to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war was the proposed move of Ukraine to become a full member of the NATO.
While Ukraine has still not managed to get a seat at the high table where 30-member countries that form part of the NATO sit, the group led by the US and several other influential Western powers wasn’t exactly hiding its glee-full intent to grant Ukraine its wish, even when Russia had been opposing it.
Incidentally, one reason NATO was formed in the aftermath of the Second World War was to counterbalance the influence of and keep the then unified Soviet Union in check.
Had Ukraine, waiting in the wings to be granted membership since 2008, been actually granted the same, the attack on it by Russian armed forces would have resulted in military action against Russia by other NATO countries.
However, even in the absence of a full membership, there’s little doubt that NATO was openly supporting Ukraine while tensions with Russia were escalating, promising to intervene effectively in case of an armed conflict.
But, things will most certainly change now. And Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be a worried man. Russia, bolstered recently by the influx of North Korean soldiers in the war, will be hoping that Trump plays his cards as expected and stops all aid to Ukraine.
After Trump wins, Ukraine may be left to fend off Russian attacks itself
